Methods and system for dynamic spectrum arbitrage with mobility management

ABSTRACT

A dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) system includes a dynamic spectrum policy controller (DPC) and a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) that together dynamically manage the allocation and use of resources (e.g., spectrum resources) across different networks. The DSC component may include wired or wireless connections to eNodeBs, a mobility management entity (MME), and various other network components. These components may be configured to communicate and perform various mobility management operations to better manage and coordinate the handling (e.g., handoffs, hand-ins, backoff, etc.) of wireless devices as they are moved with respect to the allocated resources.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to each of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/828,360, entitled “Methods and System forDynamic Spectrum Arbitrage with Mobility Management” filed Jun. May 29,2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/920,368, entitled “Methodsand System for Dynamic Spectrum Arbitrage with Mobility Management”filed Jun. Dec. 23, 2013, the entire contents of both of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

With the ever increasing use of wireless communication devices foraccessing networks and downloading large files (e.g., video files),there is an increasing demand for radio frequency spectrum. Smart phoneusers complain about dropped calls, slow access to the Internet andsimilar problems which are due largely to too many devices trying toaccess finite radio frequency (RF) bandwidth allocated to such services.Yet parts of the RF spectrum, such as the RF bands dedicated toemergency services (e.g., police, fire and rescue, etc.), go largelyunused due to the non-continuous and episodic employment of suchvoice-radio communication bands. Therefore, improved methods andsolutions for dynamically allocating underutilized telecommunicationresources (e.g., RF spectrum, etc.) of a first telecommunication networkfor access and use by wireless devices that subscribe to other networkswill be beneficial to the telecommunication networks, service providers,and to the consumers of telecommunication services.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments include a dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA)methods that include receiving in a processor a notification messageidentifying a successful bidder for a geographical area, generating agrid-map structure that includes a primary grid structure thatidentifies telecommunication cells in the geographical area, monitoringlocations of wireless devices, and using the locations of the wirelessdevices with respect to the cells of the primary grid structure todetermine whether to initiate inter-network handover operations.

In an embodiment, receiving the notification message identifying thesuccessful bidder for the geographical area may include receiving anotification message identifying a first telecommunication network asthe successful bidder in a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) in thefirst telecommunication network. In a further embodiment, monitoringlocations of wireless devices may include monitoring the locations ofwireless devices attached to a first eNodeB in the firsttelecommunication network. In a further embodiment, using the locationsof the wireless devices with respect to the cells of the primary gridstructure to determine whether to initiate inter-network handoveroperations may include determining whether to initiate handin operationsto transfer the wireless devices attached to the first eNodeB to asecond eNodeB in a second telecommunication network.

In a further embodiment, receiving the notification message identifyingthe successful bidder for the geographical area may include receiving anotification message identifying a first telecommunication network asthe successful bidder in a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) in a secondtelecommunication network, monitoring locations of wireless devices mayinclude monitoring the location of a wireless device that subscribes tothe first telecommunication network and is attached to an eNodeB in thesecond telecommunication network, and using the locations of thewireless devices with respect to the cells of the primary grid structureto determine whether to initiate inter-network handover operations mayinclude determining whether to initiate backoff operations to transferthe wireless device that subscribes to the first telecommunicationnetwork and is attached to the eNodeB back to the firsttelecommunication network.

In a further embodiment, the operations for determining whether toinitiate backoff operations to transfer the wireless device thatsubscribes to the first telecommunication network and is attached to theeNodeB back to the first telecommunication network are performed inresponse to the processor determining that resource lease period hasended, that the eNodeB is congested, and/or that the wireless device hasmoved outside of the geographical area.

In a further embodiment, receiving the notification message identifyingthe successful bidder for the geographical area may include receiving anotification message identifying a first telecommunication network asthe successful bidder in a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) in thefirst telecommunication network, In a further embodiment, the method mayinclude using the generated grid-map structure to allocatetelecommunication resources of the second telecommunication network foraccess and use by wireless devices of the first telecommunicationnetwork.

In a further embodiment, generating grid-map structure that includes theprimary grid structure that identifies telecommunication cells in thegeographical area may include classifying each of the telecommunicationcells of the primary grid structure as being one of an interior cell anda border cell. In a further embodiment, generating grid-map structurethat includes the primary grid structure that identifiestelecommunication cells in the geographical area may include generatingthe grid-map structure to further include a buffer zone structure thatidentifies telecommunication cells that are adjacent to the bordercells. In a further embodiment, generating the grid-map structure toinclude the buffer zone structure may include generating the buffer zonestructure to include multiple tiers.

In a further embodiment, the method may include using the buffer zonestructure to perform ping-pong avoidance operations. In a furtherembodiment, the method may include receiving measurement reports thatinclude eNodeB signal strength information from the wireless devices.

Further embodiments include a dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) systemthat includes an eNodeB having an eNodeB processor, a dynamic spectrumcontroller (DSC) having DSC processor that is coupled to the eNodeB viaa first communication link, and a dynamic spectrum policy controller(DPC) having a DPC processor that is coupled to the DSC via a secondcommunication link. In an embodiment, the DSC processor may beconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationsmay include receiving a notification message from the DPC identifying asuccessful bidder for a geographical area, generating grid-map structurethat includes a primary grid structure that identifies telecommunicationcells in the geographical area, monitoring locations of wirelessdevices, and using the locations of the wireless devices with respect tothe cells of the primary grid structure to determine whether to initiateinter-network handover operations.

In a further embodiment, the eNodeB and DSC may be included in a firsttelecommunication network, and the DSC processor may be configured withprocessor executable instruction to perform operations such thatreceiving the notification message identifying the successful bidder forthe geographical area includes receiving a notification messageidentifying the first telecommunication network as the successfulbidder, monitoring locations of wireless devices includes monitoring thelocations of wireless devices attached to a the eNodeB, and using thelocations of the wireless devices with respect to the cells of theprimary grid structure to determine whether to initiate inter-networkhandover operations includes determining whether to initiate handinoperations to transfer the wireless devices attached to the eNodeB toanother eNodeB in a second telecommunication network.

In a further embodiment, the eNodeB and DSC may be included in a firsttelecommunication network, and the DSC processor may be configured withprocessor executable instruction to perform operations such thatreceiving the notification message identifying the successful bidder forthe geographical area includes receiving a notification messageidentifying a second telecommunication network as the successful bidder,monitoring locations of wireless devices includes monitoring thelocation of a wireless device that subscribes to the secondtelecommunication network and is attached to the eNodeB, and using thelocations of the wireless devices with respect to the cells of theprimary grid structure to determine whether to initiate inter-networkhandover operations includes determining whether to initiate backoffoperations to transfer the wireless device to another eNodeB in thesecond telecommunication network.

In a further embodiment, the DSC processor may be configured withprocessor executable instruction to perform operations such that theoperation of determining whether to initiate backoff operations totransfer the wireless device to another eNodeB in the secondtelecommunication network is performed in response to one of determiningthat resource lease period has ended, determining that the eNodeB iscongested, and determining that the wireless device has moved outside ofthe geographical area. In a further embodiment, the DSC processor may beconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationssuch that receiving the notification message identifying the successfulbidder for the geographical area includes receiving a notificationmessage identifying a first telecommunication network as the successfulbidder, the method further including using the generated grid-mapstructure to allocate telecommunication resources of a secondtelecommunication network for access and use by wireless devices of thefirst telecommunication network.

In a further embodiment, the DSC processor may be configured withprocessor executable instruction to perform operations such thatgenerating grid-map structure that includes the primary grid structurethat identifies telecommunication cells in the geographical area furtherincludes classifying each of the telecommunication cells of the primarygrid structure as being one of an interior cell and a border cell. In afurther embodiment, the DSC processor may be configured with processorexecutable instruction to perform operations such that generatinggrid-map structure that includes the primary grid structure thatidentifies telecommunication cells in the geographical area includesgenerating the grid-map structure to further include a buffer zonestructure that identifies telecommunication cells that are adjacent tothe border cells. In a further embodiment, the DSC processor may beconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationssuch that generating the grid-map structure to include the buffer zonestructure includes generating the buffer zone structure to includemultiple tiers.

In a further embodiment, the DSC processor may be configured withprocessor executable instruction to perform operations may include usingthe buffer zone structure to perform ping-pong avoidance operations. Ina further embodiment, the DSC processor may be configured with processorexecutable instruction to perform operations that include receivingmeasurement reports that include eNodeB signal strength information fromthe wireless devices.

Further embodiments include a server computing device, including aprocessor configured with processor executable instruction to performoperations including receiving a notification message identifying asuccessful bidder for a geographical area, generating grid-map structurethat includes a primary grid structure that identifies telecommunicationcells in the geographical area, monitoring locations of wirelessdevices, and using the locations of the wireless devices with respect tothe cells of the primary grid structure to determine whether to initiateinter-network handover operations.

Further embodiments may include a computing device having a processor(or processing core) configured with processor-executable instructionsto perform various operations corresponding to the methods discussedabove.

Further embodiments may include computing devices that include variousmeans for performing functions corresponding to the method operationsdiscussed above.

Further embodiments may include a non-transitory processor-readablestorage medium having stored thereon processor-executable instructionsconfigured to cause a processor/processing core to perform variousoperations corresponding to the method operations discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain features of theinvention.

FIGS. 1A through 1E are system block diagrams illustrating variouslogical and functions components and communication links incommunication systems that may be used to implement the variousembodiments.

FIG. 2A is a process flow diagram illustrating a dynamic spectrumarbitrage (DSA) method of allocating resources from the perspective of adynamic spectrum policy controller (DPC) in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 2B is a message flow diagram illustrating message communicationsbetween components of a DSA communication system when allocatingresources in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 3 through 7 are process flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSA method of allocating and accessing resources in a communicationsystem that includes a DPC, two dynamic spectrum controllers (DSCs), anda wireless device.

FIGS. 8A through 8C are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentdynamic spectrum arbitrage application part (DSAAP) registration method.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSAAP advertizing method.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSAAP method for communicating a list of available resources.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSAAP bidding method.

FIGS. 12A through 12D are message flow diagrams illustrating anembodiment DSAAP notification method for informing participatingnetworks of the results of the bidding operations.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSAAP purchase method for immediately (or near immediately) purchasing aresource.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSAAP allocation method for allocating resources in a lessor network foraccess and use by components in a lessee network.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are message flow diagrams illustrating an embodimentDSAAP backoff method of selectively handing over a wireless device froma lessor network back to the lessee's network (i.e. its home PLMN).

FIG. 16A is a message flow diagram illustrating an embodiment DSCinitiated DSAAP de-registration method for terminating DSA operations.

FIG. 16B is a message flow diagram illustrating an embodiment DPCinitiated DSAAP de-registration method for terminating DSA operations.

FIG. 17A is a message flow diagram illustrating a DSC initiated DSAAPerror indication method for reporting errors.

FIG. 17B is a message flow diagram illustrating a DPC initiated DSAAPerror indication method for reporting errors.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are message flow diagrams illustrating DSA resourceallocation methods that include generating charging rules in accordancewith various embodiments.

FIGS. 19A through 19D are message flow diagrams illustrating variousmethods for monitoring the locations of wireless devices in accordancewith various embodiments.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a geographical area divided into sub-unitsthat may be represented by a grid-map data structure in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of the logical and functional elements thatmay be represented by a grid-map data structure in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 22A is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for using agrid-map structure to intelligently determine whether to initiateinter-network handover operations in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 22B is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for generatingor updating the list of cell sites of a primary grid structure of thegrid-map in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are process flow diagrams illustrating methods fordetermining buffer zones in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a chart diagram that illustrates different thresholds may beused for the up and down triggers to introduce hysteresis gap betweenstate changes in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating the movements of a wirelessdevice that is located close to a grid boundary and for which performingan embodiment ping-pong avoidance method may be beneficial.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a coverage gap may be caused by lack ofradio frequency coverage from lessor cells in the area where lesseecell(s) have coverage and for which performing an embodiment gapavoidance method may be beneficial.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of the locations of various wireless deviceswith respect to a primary grid and tracking areas and for whichperforming an embodiment move-back method may be beneficial.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are process flow diagrams illustrating embodiment DSAmethods of performing handin operations.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are process flow diagrams illustrating embodiment DSAmethods of allocating and de-allocating resources between differentnetworks.

FIG. 31 is a component block diagram of an example wireless devicesuitable for use with the various embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a component block diagram of a server suitable for use withan embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention or the claims.

As used herein, the terms “mobile device,” “wireless device” and “userequipment (UE)” may be used interchangeably and refer to any one ofvarious cellular telephones, personal data assistants (PDA's), palm-topcomputers, laptop computers with wireless modems, wireless electronicmail receivers (e.g., the Blackberry® and Treo® devices), multimediaInternet enabled cellular telephones (e.g., the iPhone®), and similarpersonal electronic devices. A wireless device may include aprogrammable processor and memory. In a preferred embodiment, thewireless device is a cellular handheld device (e.g., a wireless device),which can communicate via a cellular telephone communications network.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “engine,”“manager” are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as,but not limited to, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution, which are configured toperform particular operations or functions. For example, a component maybe, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, acomputer, a server, network hardware, etc. By way of illustration, bothan application running on a computing device and the computing devicemay be referred to as a component. One or more components may residewithin a process and/or thread of execution and a component may belocalized on one processor or core and/or distributed between two ormore processors or cores. In addition, these components may execute fromvarious non-transitory computer readable media having variousinstructions and/or data structures stored thereon.

A number of different cellular and mobile communication services andstandards are available or contemplated in the future, all of which mayimplement and benefit from the various embodiments. Such services andstandards include, e.g., third generation partnership project (3GPP),long term evolution (LTE) systems, third generation wireless mobilecommunication technology (3G), fourth generation wireless mobilecommunication technology (4G), global system for mobile communications(GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), 3GSM, generalpacket radio service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA)systems (e.g., cdmaOne, CDMA2000™), enhanced data rates for GSMevolution (EDGE), advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), digital AMPS(IS-136/TDMA), evolution-data optimized (EV-DO), digital enhancedcordless telecommunications (DECT), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), wireless local area network (WLAN), publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), Wi-Fi Protected Access I & II (WPA,WPA2), Bluetooth®, integrated digital enhanced network (iden), landmobile radio (LMR), and evolved universal terrestrial radio accessnetwork (E-UTRAN). Each of these technologies involves, for example, thetransmission and reception of voice, data, signaling and/or contentmessages. It should be understood that any references to terminologyand/or technical details related to an individual telecommunicationstandard or technology are for illustrative purposes only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the claims to a particular communicationsystem or technology unless specifically recited in the claim language.

A high priority in responding to any emergency or disaster situation isestablishing effective communications. In large scale emergency ordisaster (both manmade and natural) situations, it is paramount tomaintain communications between all first responders and emergencypersonnel in order to respond, manage, and control the emergencysituation effectively. In the absence of effective communication amongfirst responders and other emergency personnel, resources may not beeffectively mobilized to the areas which need the resources most. Evenin minor emergency situations (e.g., traffic accidents and fires), firstresponders must be able to call on support assets and coordinate withother services (e.g., public utilities, hospitals, etc.).

With the ubiquity of wireless device ownership and usage, emergencycommunication via wireless devices using commercial cellularcommunication networks often are the most efficient and effective meansto mobilize emergency response personnel and resources. Enablingwireless devices to provide effective emergency communications obviatesthe technical challenges and expense of coordinating radio frequenciesamong various first responder agencies (e.g., police, fire, ambulance,FEMA, public utilities, etc.). Also, qualified first responders to anaccident who are off duty or not ordinarily equipped with radios (e.g.,doctors, nurses, retired police, or military personnel) will have or canquickly borrow a wireless device.

Emergency communications over cellular communication networks is notwithout problems, however. Cellular and other telecommunication networks(“networks”) are designed to accommodate access requests from only afraction of the total number of wireless devices in a particular cell.At times of emergency or crisis, network resources may become overtaxedwhen predictable human responses to the situation prompt anextraordinary number of wireless device users within a particular cellto access the network at the same time. Wireless device users may beattempting to alert emergency personnel of the emergency situation (suchas a 911 emergency call) or to alert friends or family members that theuser is safe despite being in the area of an emergency situation. Someusers may be transmitting images of the emergency condition (fire,accident, etc.) to news services or friends. In a wide scale situation,emergency responders using wireless devices for emergency communicationswill add to the call volume. Regardless, the predictable increase incall volume during an emergency situation can overwhelm a commercialcellular communications network, particularly in the cell zoneencompassing the emergency, thus rendering the network unreliable foremergency response personnel communication usage.

To overcome these and other limitations of existing solutions, thevarious embodiments include components configured to provide tieredpriority access (TPA) capabilities to deliver quality of service (QoS)and grade of service (GoS) based wireless device communications forfirst responders. Detailed descriptions of example TPA systems areprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,275,349 dated Sep. 25, 2102, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyand for all purposes.

In overview, a TPA system or solution may include various componentsconfigured to perform various TPA operations to coordinate, makeavailable and/or provide wireless communication resources to highpriority users (e.g., emergency personnel) during times of highcongestion or in emergency situations. For example, TPA components maybe configured to monitor a wireless network's call volume, determinewhether the wireless network call volume exceeds a first pre-determinedthreshold, partition the wireless network resources based on prioritieswhen the wireless network call volume exceeds the first pre-determinedthreshold, and reserve a portion of the partitioned resources for highpriority usage (i.e., use by wireless devices of authorized emergencypersonnel). The TPA components may be further configured to monitorincoming and outgoing calls to determine whether a call is made from orto an high priority device (e.g., to or from a pre-registered wirelessdevice or wireless devices of authorized emergency personnel), allowgeneral access to the wireless network resources so long as no call ismade from or to high priority device, and restrict general access to thewireless network resources in response to determining that a call ismade to or from a high priority device. As such, TPA solutions allowtelecommunication systems use more the available resources, and ensurethat high priority users can access and use the system when needed.

In the various embodiments, these and other TPA operations may beperformed in (or in conjunction with) a dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA)system configured to dynamically manage the availability, allocation,access, and use of telecommunication resources (e.g., RF spectrum, etc.)between two or more networks (e.g., between a lessor network and alessee network). A detailed description of an example DSA system isprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,711,721 dated Apr. 29, 2014, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyand for all purposes.

Briefly, a DSA system may include a dynamic spectrum policy controller(DPC) configured to manage the DSA operations and interactions betweentwo or more networks (e.g., between a lessor network and a lesseenetwork). The DPC may communicate with various network components in anetwork provider network through one or more dynamic spectrum controller(DSC) components, which may be included in or added to the networksparticipating in the DSA communications. The DSC component may includewired or wireless connections to eNodeBs, a mobility management entity(MME) component/server, various satellite systems, and other networkcomponents. The DSC may communicate with the DPC component to offer,allocate, request, and/or receive resources to and from other networks.This allows two or more networks to collaborate and make better usetheir resources (e.g., by leasing resources during times of highcongestion, leasing out resources when they are not in use, etc.).

In the various embodiments, the DSA system may be configured to allocateor lease-out resources, monitor the usage of the leased resources, andautomatically charge accounts for the usage of the leased resources bygenerating, installing, or enforcing bid-specific closed subscribergroup identifier based (i.e., CSG-ID based) charging rules.

In an embodiment, the DSA system may include DSA components (e.g., DPC,DSC, eNodeB, etc.) configured to perform mobility management operationsto better manage and coordinate the handling (e.g., handoffs, hand-ins,backoff, etc.) of wireless devices as they are moved with respect to theavailable/leased resources.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to coordinatetheir operations and communicate information so as to better monitor thelocations of the wireless device and make better and more informed DSAdecisions. For example, a DSC component may be configured to communicatewith an MME component to determine the precise location of a wirelessdevice with respect to a telecommunication resource. The DSC componentmay use this location information (i.e., precise location of thewireless device) to better identify candidate devices for handoff,handin, backoff, and move-back operations.

In addition, the DSA components may be configured to perform variousspecial functions to further support the mobility of wireless devices asthey are moved with respect to the available resources and between theparticipating networks. These special functions may include identifyinga resource grid, determining a buffer zone for the grid, findinggeographical boundaries or boundaries during wireless device mobility,performing inter-network handovers for connected wireless devices,monitoring a wireless device's vicinity, determining whether a wirelessdevice is an idle, performing move-back operations for idle devices,determining congestion state changes, etc. The special functions mayalso include handling coverage gaps due to cell outages or blacklistingduring a handin, a handoff, or backoff procedure. The special functionsmay further include identifying operator policies, determiningblacklists and dynamic changes via a grid map, and pre-planning ahandin, a handoff, or a backoff procedure. The special functions mayalso include performing mobility-based, congestion-based, bid-based, orexpiry-based backoff operations.

The various embodiments may include a DSA system configured to managethe allocation, transfer, and/or use of resources by the wirelessnetworks based on a geographical area. For example, the DSA system maybe configured to perform auction/arbitration operations that result in asuccessful bidder for a geographical area (which may include two wholenetworks, a region, cell sites, sectors, sub-sectors, etc.). A detaileddescription of an example DSA system configured to allocate resourcesbased on a geographical area is provided in U.S. Published PatentApplication No. 2013/0203435 dated Aug. 8, 2013, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for allpurposes.

The various embodiments provide improved methods of allocating resourcesbased on geographical areas by accounting for the mobility of thewireless devices with respect to the available/leased resources. Forexample, in an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured todivide a relevant geographical area into subunits, generate a grid-mapinformation structure that identifies these geographical subunits, anduse the grid-map data structure to allocate, de-allocate, and reallocateresources based on the geographical locations of the wireless deviceswith respect to the available resources. The available resource mayinclude both lessee and lessor resources.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may generate grid-map structure toinclude a primary grid and a buffer zone, each of which may be aninformation structure that includes/stores information suitable foridentifying cells/sectors and their coverage zones. The primary gridstructure may classify its cells/sectors as interior or border cells,and the buffer zone may classify its cells/sectors into layers, zones,or tiers based on their proximity to the border cells in primary grid.In an embodiment, the primary grid structure may be generated to includethe cells/sectors that are in geographical area purchased or won by alessee network as part of the DSA operations. The DSA components maythen use the locations and movements of the wireless devices 102 withrespect to the cells/sectors identified by the primary grid and/orbuffer zone to determine whether to initiate intra-network and/orinter-network handover operations (i.e. to handover the device from thelessee network to the lessor network, or vice versa). In variousembodiments, the inter-network handover operations may include handins,backoff, and/or move-back operations.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to generate orupdate the grid-map structure based on information received from thewireless devices attached to the resources of the lessee or lessornetworks.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to periodicallyreevaluate the identification/classification of the interior, border,and buffer zone cells to better account for changes in the availabilityof resources identified in the grid-map. For example, the DSA componentsmay reevaluate the cell classifications to account for cell sites thatare taken down for maintenance, new sectors that are brought online,etc. In an embodiment, such information may be received from thewireless devices.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to perform handinoperations to transfer wireless devices from a lessee network to alessor network based on the grid-map information structure. The DSAcomponents may be configured to perform the handin operations so thatthe wireless devices that are located closest to the center of theprimary grid are transferred first, and the wireless devices that arelocated closest to the edge of the buffer zone are transferred last.That is, the DSA components may perform the handins operations so as totransfer the wireless devices from the center of the grid outwardtowards the edges of buffer zone.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to performbackoff operations to transfer wireless devices from the lessor networkto the lessee network based on the grid-map structure. The DSAcomponents may be configured to perform the backoff operations so thatthe wireless devices that are located closest to the edges of bufferzone are transferred first, and the wireless devices located closest tothe center of the primary grid are transferred last. That is, the DSAcomponents may perform the handins operations so as to transfer thewireless devices from the edges of buffer zone inward towards the centerof the grid.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to receivemeasurement reports from the wireless devices. The measurement reportsmay include signal strength information detected in the wireless devicefor the available resources or potential target network. The DSAcomponents may use the received measurement reports to select a targetcell and/or to initiate inter-network handover (handin or backoff)procedures based on the reports/signal strengths. For example, an eNodeBmay be configured to receive measurement reports from a wireless devicefor the target network, and use the measurement report to select atarget eNodeB based on its signal strength relative to the wirelessdevice.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to receivecongestion state information from an eNodeB, and use this congestionstate information to intelligently allocate resources, manage usertraffic of the eNodeBs, select target eNodeBs for handovers, determinethe quality of service (QoS) levels that are to be given to wirelessdevices attached to the eNodeBs, and/or perform other similar operationsto intelligently manage the allocation or use of resources by thevarious networks. The congestion state information may identify acurrent congestion state (e.g., Normal, Minor, Major, Critical, etc.) ofthe eNodeB and/or other network components. Each congestion state may beassociated with a congestion level. For example, a “Normal” congestionstate may indicate that a network component (e.g., eNodeB, etc.) isoperating under normal load (e.g., user traffic is within the normaloperating rages, etc.). A “Minor” congestion state may indicate that thenetwork component is experiencing congestion and/or operating under anabove-average load. A “Major” congestion state may indicate that thenetwork component is experiencing significant congestion and/oroperating under heavy load. A “Critical” congestion state may indicatethat the network component is experiencing severe congestion,experiencing an emergency situation, or operating under an extremelyheavy load.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to implementdifferent thresholds for the up and down triggers that cause thecongestion state transitions so as to avoid frequent fluctuationsbetween the same two congestion states (e.g., Normal-to-Minor andMinor-to-Normal, etc.). For example, an eNodeB may be configured totransition from the Normal to Minor state in response to determiningthat the user traffic levels increased to above 50%, and transition fromthe Minor to Normal state in response to determining that the usertraffic levels decreased to below 40%. That is, the eNodeB may beconfigured to set a Normal-to-Minor congestion state up-trigger to 50%and a Minor-to-Normal congestion state down-trigger to 40%.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to use the bufferzone structure to perform ping-pong avoidance operations. For example,the DSA components may be configured to use the buffer zone structure(e.g., in the grid-map) to perform handin or backoff operations so as toreduce the ping-pong effect that may be caused by a wireless devicefrequently crossing the same grid boundary. These DSA components mayalso be configured to use a timer to further reduce the ping-pongeffect.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to perform loadbalancing operations based on inter-network mobility of the wirelessdevices. The inter-network mobility of the wireless devices may bedetermined based on the location of the wireless device with respect tothe available resources. In an embodiment, the inter-network mobility ofthe wireless devices may be determined based on the information includedin the grid-map information structure.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to performvarious operations for handling coverage gaps in lessor network (withinleased grid) during handin, handling coverage gaps in lessor network(within leased grid) during handoff, handling coverage gaps in lesseenetwork (within leased grid) during backoff, handling coverage gapscaused by cell outages, and handling coverage gaps due to blacklistingof cell. The DSA components may be configured to respond to coveragegaps caused by cell outages and blacklisting.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to performhandoff pre-planning operations, handin pre-planning operations, andbackoff pre-planning operations. In an embodiment, the DSA componentsmay be configured to perform move-back operations to transfer an idlelessee wireless device attached to a lessor network back to the lesseenetwork.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to identify thecells/sectors that are associated with the bid grid (i.e., geographicalarea purchased/won by a lessee network as part of the DSA operations) inthe grid-map information structure.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to use thegrid-map to identify the resources that are to be used by the wirelessdevice. For example, the DSA components of a lessee network may use thegrid-map and measurement reports received from the wireless devices todetermine whether to initiate handin operations (or the process ofhanding wireless devices into the lessor network) based on the locationsand availability of the resources of the lessor network with respect tothe wireless devices. DSA components of a lessor network may use thegrid-map to determine whether to initiate backoff operations (or theprocess of handing wireless devices back to the lessee system) based onthe locations and availability of the resources in the lessee network inresponse to detecting bid expiry, congestion, and/or that a wirelessdevice has moved to a geographical area that is outside of the bid grid.

The various embodiments may also include DSA components configured tointelligently identify and select wireless devices as candidates forhandover or handin to lessor network resources in the bid grid/area. Infurther embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to makeintelligent handover, handin, handout, and backoff decisions tomove/transfer wireless devices between the participating networks.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may include a DSC componentconfigured to receive resource allocation information that is suitablefor use in identifying all the active wireless devices that are within ageographical boundary of the bid area and candidates to be handed overto a lessor network. The DSC component may use the resource allocationinformation to intelligently select and handover the candidate wirelessdevices to the lessor network (i.e., to use resources allocated by thelessor network).

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to perform DSAoperations that include identifying a plurality of eNodeBs that areinside a geographical boundary of a bid area, computing a round tripdelay (RTD) value, receiving (e.g., in DSC component) measurementreports for lessor network absolute radio frequency channel numbers(ARFCNs) for each of a plurality of active wireless devices in each ofthe identified plurality of eNodeBs, and generating a listing of all theactive wireless devices that are eligible to be handed over to lessornetwork based on the measurement reporting in each of the plurality ofeNodeBs. The DSA operations may further include receiving the listing ofthe active wireless devices that are eligible to be handed over tolessor network, receiving the RTD values, measurement reports, andwireless device position information, and selecting wireless devices tohand over to the lessor network based on any or all of the receivedlistings, RTD values, measurement reports, and UE position information.

The various embodiments may be implemented within a variety ofcommunication systems, examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E.With reference to FIG. 1A, wireless devices 102 may be configured totransmit and receive voice, data, and control signals to and from a basestation 111, which may be a base transceiver station (BTS), NodeB,eNodeB, etc. The base station 111 may communicate with an access gateway113, which may include one or more of a controller, a gateway, a servinggateway (SGW), a packet data network gateway (PGW), an evolved packetdata gateway (ePDG), a packet data serving node (PDSN), a serving GPRSsupport node (SGSN), or any similar component or combinations of thefeatures/functions provided thereof. Since these structures are wellknown and/or discussed in detail further below, certain details havebeen omitted from FIG. 1A in order to focus the descriptions on the mostrelevant features.

The access gateway 113 may be any logical and/or functional componentthat serves as the primary point of entry and exit of wireless devicetraffic and/or connects the wireless devices 102 to their immediateservice provider and/or packet data networks (PDNs). The access gateway113 may forward the voice, data, and control signals to other networkcomponents as user data packets, provide connectivity to external packetdata networks, manage and store contexts (e.g. network internal routinginformation, etc.), and act as an anchor between different technologies(e.g., 3GPP and non-3GPP systems). The access gateway 113 may coordinatethe transmission and reception of data to and from the Internet 105, aswell as the transmission and reception of voice, data and controlinformation to and from an external service network 104, the Internet105, other base stations 111, and to wireless devices 102.

In various embodiments, the base stations 111 and/or access gateway 113may be coupled (e.g., via wired or wireless communication links) to adynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) system configured to dynamically managethe availability, allocation, access, and use of various networkresources (e.g., RF spectrum, RF spectrum resources, etc.). The DSAsystem is discussed in detail further below.

FIG. 1B illustrates that wireless devices 102 may be configured to sendand receive voice, data and control signals to and from the servicenetwork 104 (and ultimately the Internet 105) using a variety ofcommunication systems/technologies (e.g., GPRS, UMTS, LTE, cdmaOne,CDMA2000™), any or all of which may be supported by, or used toimplement, the various embodiments.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1B, long term evolution (LTE) and/orevolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) datatransmitted from a wireless device 102 is received by an eNodeB 116, andsent to a serving gateway (SGW) 118 located within the core network 120.The eNodeB 116 may send signaling/control information (e.g., informationpertaining to call setup, security, authentication, etc.) to a mobilitymanagement entity (MME) 130. The MME 130 may request user/subscriptioninformation from a home subscriber server (HSS) 132, communicate withother MME components, perform various administrative tasks (e.g., userauthentication, enforcement of roaming restrictions, etc.), select a SGW118, and send authorization and administrative information to the eNodeB116 and/or SGW 118. Upon receiving the authorization information fromthe MME 130 (e.g., an authentication complete indication, an identifierof a selected SGW, etc.), the eNodeB 116 may send data received from thewireless device 102 to a selected SGW 118. The SGW 118 may storeinformation about the received data (e.g., parameters of the IP bearerservice, network internal routing information, etc.) and forward userdata packets to a policy control enforcement function (PCEF) and/orpacket data network gateway (PGW) 128.

FIG. 1B further illustrates that general packet radio service (GPRS)data transmitted from the wireless devices 102 may be received by a basetransceiver station (BTS) 106 and sent to a base station controller(BSC) and/or packet control unit (PCU) component (BSC/PCU) 108. Codedivision multiple access (CDMA) data transmitted from a wireless device102 may be received by a base transceiver station 106 and sent to a basestation controller (BSC) and/or packet control function (PCF) component(BSC/PCF) 110. Universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) datatransmitted from a wireless device 102 may be received by a NodeB 112and sent to a radio network controller (RNC) 114.

The BSC/PCU 108, BSC/PCF 110, and RNC 114 components may process theGPRS, CDMA, and UMTS data, respectively, and send the processed data toa component within the core network 120. More specifically, the BSC/PCU108 and RNC 114 units may send the processed data to a serving GPRSsupport node (SGSN) 122, and the BSC/PCF 110 may send the processed datato a packet data serving node (PDSN) and/or high rate packet dataserving gateway (HSGW) component (PDSN/HSGW) 126. The PDSN/HSGW 126 mayact as a connection point between the radio access network and the IPbased PCEF/PGW 128. The SGSN 122 may be responsible for routing the datawithin a particular geographical service area, and send signaling(control plane) information (e.g., information pertaining to call setup,security, authentication, etc.) to an MME 130. The MME 130 may requestuser and subscription information from a home subscriber server (HSS)132, perform various administrative tasks (e.g., user authentication,enforcement of roaming restrictions, etc.), select a SGW 118, and sendadministrative and/or authorization information to the SGSN 122.

The SGSN 122 may send the GPRS/UMTS data to a selected SGW 118 inresponse to receiving authorization information from the MME 130. TheSGW 118 may store information about the data (e.g., parameters of the IPbearer service, network internal routing information, etc.) and forwarduser data packets to the PCEF/PGW 128. The PCEF/PGW 128 may sendsignaling information (control plane) to a policy control rules function(PCRF) 134. The PCRF 134 may access subscriber databases, create a setof policy rules and performs other specialized functions (e.g.,interacts with online/offline charging systems, application functions,etc.). The PCRF 134 may then send the policy rules to the PCEF/PGW 128for enforcement. The PCEF/PGW 128 may implement the policy rules tocontrol the bandwidth, the quality of service (QoS), the characteristicsof the data, and the services being communicated between the servicenetwork 104 and the end users.

In the various embodiments, any or all of the components discussed above(e.g., components 102-134) may be coupled to, or included in, a DSAsystem configured to dynamically manage the availability, allocation,access, and use of telecommunication resources.

FIG. 1C illustrates various logical components and communication linksin an embodiment system 100 that includes an DSA system 142 and aevolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) 140. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 1C, the DSA system 142 includes a dynamicspectrum controller (DSC) 144 component and a dynamic spectrum policycontroller (DPC) 146 component. The E-UTRAN 140 includes a plurality ofinterconnected eNodeBs 116 coupled to the core network 120 (e.g., via aconnection to an MME, SGW, etc.).

In various embodiments, the DSC 144 may be included in or coupled to theE-UTRAN 140, either as part of its core network 120 or outside of thecore network 120. In an embodiment, the DSC 144 may be coupled directly(e.g., via wired or wireless communication links) to one or more eNodeBs116.

The eNodeBs 116 may be configured to communicate with the DSC 144 viathe Xe interface/reference point. In various embodiments, the Xereference point between DSC and eNodeB 116 may use the DSAAP protocol,TR-069 protocol, and/or TR-192 data model extensions to support listingavailable resources at the eNodeB 116 and notifying the eNodeB 116 ofbid/buy confirmations. The DSC 144 may be configured to communicate withthe DPC 146 via the Xd interface/reference point. The Xd reference pointbetween DSC and DPC may use the DSAAP protocol for dynamic spectrum andresource arbitrage operations. The eNodeBs 116 may be interconnected,and configured to communicate via an X2 interface/reference point, whichmay also use the DSAAP protocol to communicate information. The eNodeBs116 may be configured to communicate with components in the core network120 via the S1 interface. For example, the eNodeBs 116 may be connectedto an MME 130 via the S1-MME interface and to a SGW 118 via the S1-Uinterface. The S1 interface may support a many-to-many relation betweenthe MMEs 130, SGWs 118, and eNodeBs 116. In embodiment, the DPC and/orDSC component may also be configured to communicate with a HSS 132component.

The eNodeBs 116 may be configured to provide user plane (e.g., PDCP,RLC, MAC, PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol terminations towards thewireless device 102. That is, the eNodeBs 116 may act as a bridge (e.g.,layer 2 bridge) between the wireless devices 102 and the core network120 by serving as the termination point of all radio protocols towardsthe wireless devices 102, and relaying voice (e.g., VoIP, etc.), data,and control signals to network components in the core network 120. TheeNodeBs 116 may also be configured to perform various radio resourcemanagement operations, such as controlling the usage of radiointerfaces, allocating resources based on requests, prioritizing andscheduling traffic according to various quality of service (QoS)requirements, monitoring the usage of network resources, etc. Inaddition, the eNodeBs 116 may be configured to collect radio signallevel measurements, analyze the collected radio signal levelmeasurements, and handover wireless devices 102 (or connections to themobile devices) to another base station (e.g., a second eNodeB) based onthe results of the analysis.

The DSC 144 and DPC 146 may be functional components configured tomanage the dynamic spectrum arbitrage process for sharing radiofrequency and other network resources between different E-UTRANs 140.For example, the DPC 146 component may be configured to manage the DSAoperations and interactions between multiple E-UTRAN networks bycommunicating with DSCs 144 in the E-UTRAN network.

FIG. 1D illustrates various logical and functional components that maybe included in a communication system 101 that suitable for use inperforming DSA operations in accordance with various embodiments. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 1D, the communication system 101 includes aneNodeB 116, a DSC 144, a DPC 146, an MME 130, a SGW 118, and a PGW 128.

The eNodeB 116 may include a DSC application protocol and congestionmonitoring module 150, an inter-cell radio resource management (RRM)module 151, a radio bearer (RB) control module 152, a connectionmobility control module 153, a radio admission control module 154, aneNodeB measurement configuration and provision module 155, and a dynamicresource allocation module 156. Each of these modules 150-156 may beimplemented in hardware, in software, or in a combination of hardwareand software.

In addition, the eNodeB 116 may include various protocol layers,including a radio resource control (RRC) layer 157, a packet dataconvergence protocol (PDCP) layer 158, a radio link control (RLC) layer159, a medium access control (MAC) layer 160, and a physical (PHY) layer161. In each of these protocol layers, various hardware and/or softwarecomponents may implement functionality that is commensurate withresponsibilities assigned to that layer. For example, data streams maybe received in the physical layer 161, which may include a radioreceiver, buffers, and processing components that perform the operationsof demodulating, recognizing symbols within the radio frequency (RF)signal, and performing other operations for extracting raw data from thereceived RF signal.

The DSC 144 may include an eNodeB geographical boundary managementmodule 162, an eNodeB resource and congestion management module 163, astream control transmission protocol (SCTP) module 164, a Layer-2 (L2)buffer module 165, and a Layer-1 (L1) buffer module 166. The DPC 146 mayinclude an eNodeB resource bid management module 167, an inter-DSCcommunication module 168, SCTP/DIAMETER module 169, an L2 buffer module170, and a L1 buffer module 171. The MME 130 may include a non-accessstratum (NAS) security module 172, and idle state mobility handlingmodule 173, and an evolved packet system (EPS) bearer control module174. The SGW 118 may include a mobility anchoring module 176. The PGW128 may include a UE IP address allocation module 178 and a packetfiltering module 179. Each of these modules 162-179 may be implementedin hardware, in software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

The eNodeB 116 may be configured to communicate with the SGW 118 and/orMME 130 via the S1 interface/protocol. The eNodeB 116 may also beconfigured to communicate with the DSC 144 via the Xeinterface/protocol. The DSC 144 may be configured to communicate withthe DPC 146 via the Xd interface/protocol.

The eNodeB 116 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g.,via modules/layers 150-161) to provide various functions, includingfunctions for radio resource management, such as radio bearer control,radio admission control, connection mobility control, dynamic allocationof resources to wireless devices 102 in both uplink and downlink(scheduling), etc. These functions may also include IP headercompression and encryption of user data stream, selection of an MME atUE attachment when no routing to an MME 130 can be determined from theinformation provided by the UE, routing of user plane data towards SGW118, scheduling and transmission of paging messages (originated from theMME), scheduling and transmission of broadcast information (originatedfrom the MME), measurement and measurement reporting configuration formobility and scheduling, scheduling and transmission of public warningsystem (e.g., earthquake and tsunami warning system, commercial mobilealert service, etc.) messages (originated from the MME), closedsubscriber group (CSG) handling, and transport level packet marking inthe uplink. In an embodiment, the eNodeB 116 may be a donor eNodeB(DeNB) that is configured to perform various operations to provideadditional functions, such as an S1/X2 proxy functionality, S11termination, and/or SGW/PGW functionality for supporting relay nodes(RNs).

The MME 130 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., viamodules 172-175) to provide various functions, including non-accessstratum (NAS) signaling, NAS signaling security, access stratum (AS)security control, inter-CN node signaling for mobility between 3GPPaccess networks, idle mode UE reach-ability (including control andexecution of paging retransmission), tracking area list management(e.g., for a wireless device in idle and active mode), PGW and SGWselection, MME selection for handovers with MME change, SGSN selectionfor handovers to 2G or 3G 3GPP access networks, roaming, authentication,bearer management functions including dedicated bearer establishment,support for public warning system (e.g., earthquake and tsunami warningsystem, commercial mobile alert service, etc.) message transmission, andperforming paging optimization. The MME module may also communicatevarious device state and attach/detach status information to the DSC. Inan embodiment, the MME 130 may be configured to not filter pagingmassages based on the CSG IDs towards macro eNodeBs.

The SGW 118 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., viamodule 176) to provide various functions, including mobility anchoring(e.g., for inter-3GPP mobility), serving as a local mobility anchorpoint for inter-eNodeB handovers, E-UTRAN idle mode downlink packetbuffering, initiation of network triggered service request procedures,lawful interception, packet routing and forwarding, transport levelpacket marking in the uplink (UL) and the downlink (DL), accounting onuser and QoS class identifier (QCI) granularity for inter-operatorcharging, uplink (UL) and the downlink (DL) charging (e.g., per device,PDN, and/or QCI), etc.

The PGW 128 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., viamodules 178-179) to provide various functions, including per-user basedpacket filtering (by e.g. deep packet inspection), lawful interception,UE IP address allocation, transport level packet marking in the uplinkand the downlink, UL and DL service level charging, gating and rateenforcement, DL rate enforcement based on APN-aggregate maximum bit rate(AMBR), etc.

The DSC 144 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., viamodules 162-166) to provide various functions, including managingresource arbitration operations within a network (e.g., PLMN), trackingnetwork resource listings, tracking current bids in progress, trackingexecuted bids, and tracking bid specific closed subscriber group (CSG)identifiers (CSG-IDs) for mobility management of lessee wireless devices102 in lessor networks. The DSC 144 may be configured to handoverwireless devices 102 from lessee network to lessor network (i.e.,perform handins), and handover wireless devices 102 from lessor networkback to lessee network (i.e., perform backoff).

The DSC 144 may also be configured to track congestion states ofeNodeBs, select target eNodeBs for handovers, and manage traffic onlessor eNodeBs. The DSC 144 may be configured to offload users based onconfigured policies (e.g. offload lower priority users, offload higherpriority users, offload users with specific QoS, etc.) from lesseenetworks to other less loaded eNodeBs 116 within a lessor network. TheDSC 144 may also perform backoff operations to handover a wirelessdevice 102 from lessor network back to the lessee network. The DSC 144may also be configured to monitor, manage, and/or maintain historiccongestion information that is collected or received from one or moreeNodeBs in the system.

The DPC 146 may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., viamodules 167-171) to provide various functions, including functioning asa resource arbitrage broker between the DSCs 144 of lessor and lesseenetworks (e.g., PLMNs), listing resources from various lessor networksfor auction, and managing the auction process. The DPC 146 may beconfigured to send notifications of outbid, bid win, bid cancel and bidwithdrawal and bid expiry to DSCs 144, install bid specific chargingrules in the online and/or offline charging systems of lessee and lessornetworks, and coordinate resource usage between DSCs 144 by acting asgateway between lessee and lessor DSCs 144.

FIG. 1E illustrates network components and information flows in anexample communication system 103 that includes two E-UTRANs 140 a, 140 binterconnected by a DPC 146 configured to manage DSA operations andinteractions. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1E, each E-UTRAN 140 a,140 b includes an eNodeB 116 a, 116 b that is outside of its corenetwork 120 a, 120 b, and a DSC 144 a, 144 b that is inside of the corenetwork 120 a, 120 b.

The DSCs 144 a, 144 b may be configured to communicate with the DPC 146via Xd interface. The DSCs 144 a, 144 b may also be connected, directlyor indirectly, to various network components in their respective corenetworks 120 a, 120 b, such as a PCRF 134, HSS 132 and a PCEF/PGW 128(not illustrated in FIG. 1E). In an embodiment, one or more of the DSCs144 a, 144 b may be connected directly to one or more of the eNodeBs 116a, 116 b.

In addition to the above-mentioned connections and communication links,the system 103 may include additional connections/links to accommodatedata flows and communications between components in different E-UTRANs(e.g., E-UTRANS 140 a and 140 b). For example, the system 103 mayinclude a connection/communication link between an eNodeB 116 b in thesecond E-UTRAN 140 b to an SGW 118 in the first E-UTRAN 140 a. Asanother example, the system 103 may include a connection/communicationlink between a SGW 118 in the second E-UTRAN 140 b to a PGW 128 in thefirst E-UTRAN 140 a. To focus the discussion of the relevantembodiments, these additional components, connections, and communicationlinks are not illustrated in FIG. 1E.

As is discussed in detail further below, the DSCs 144 a, 144 b may beconfigured to send information regarding the availability of spectrumresources (e.g., information received from an eNodeB, PCRF, PCEF, PGW,etc.) to the DPC 146. This information may include data relating tocurrent and expected future usage and/or capacity of each network orsub-network. The DPC 146 may be configured to receive and use suchinformation to intelligently allocate, transfer, manage, coordinate, orlease the available resources of the first E-UTRAN 140 a to the secondE-UTRAN 140 b, and vice versa.

For example, the DPC 146 may be configured to coordinate the allocationof spectrum resources to the second E-UTRAN 140 b (i.e., lessee network)from the E-UTRAN 140 a (i.e., lessor network) as part of the dynamicspectrum arbitrage operations. Such operations may allow a wirelessdevice 102 that is wirelessly connected to the eNodeB 116 b in thesecond E-UTRAN 140 b via a communication link 143 to be handed off to aneNodeB 116 a in the first E-UTRAN 140 a so that it may use the allocatedspectrum resources of the first E-UTRAN 140 a. As part of this handoffprocedure, the wireless device 102 may establish a new connection 141 tothe eNodeB 116 a in the first E-UTRAN 140 a, terminate the wirelessconnection 143 to the original eNodeB 116 b, and use the allocatedresources of the first E-UTRAN 140 a as if they are included in thesecond E-UTRAN 140 b. The DSA operations may be performed so that thefirst DSC 144 a is a lessor DSC for a first resource/period of time, anda lessee DSC for a second resource or another period of time.

In an embodiment, the DSA and/or handoff operations may be performed sothat the wireless device 102 maintains a data connection to (or a dataconnection that is managed by) the original network after it is handedoff. For example, DSA and/or handoff operations may be performed so thatthe wireless device 102 maintains a dataflow connection to a PGW 128 inthe second E-UTRAN 140 b after being handed off to the eNodeB 116 a inthe first E-UTRAN 140 a.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example DSA method 200 of allocating resources inaccordance with an embodiment. Method 200 may be performed by aprocessing core in a DPC 146 component (e.g., server computing device,etc.).

In block 202, the DPC 146 may establish a first communication link to afirst DSC 144 a in a first communication network (e.g., E-UTRAN, etc.).In block 204, the DPC 146 may establish a second communication link to asecond DSC 144 b in a second communication network. In block 206, theDPC 146 may determine whether radio frequency (RF) spectrum resourcesare available for allocation within the second communication network.This may be accomplished by using the DSAAP protocol to communicate witha DSC 144 in the second communication network via the secondcommunication link, which may be a wired or wireless communication link.In block 208, the DPC 146 may determine the amount of RF spectrumresources that are available for allocation. In block 210, the DPC 146may perform various operations to allocate all or a portion of theavailable RF resources of the second communication network for accessand use by wireless devices 102 in the first communication network.

In block 212, the DPC 146 may send a communication message to the firstDSC 144 a (e.g., by using the DSAAP protocol) to inform the firstcommunication network that the use of the allocated RF spectrumresources may begin. In block 214, the DPC 146 may record a transactionin a transaction database identifying an amount of RF spectrum resourcesallocated for use by the first communication network.

In block 216, the DPC 146 may receive a communication message from thesecond DSC 144 b that includes information indicating that the allocatedresources have been consumed and/or requesting that the allocatedresources be released. In block 218, the DPC 146 may send a resourceconsumed/release message to the first DSC 144 a to cause the firstnetwork to terminate its use of the allocated resources.

FIG. 2B illustrates example information flows between a DPC 146 and aplurality of DSCs 144 a-d when performing another embodiment DSA method250 to allocate resources. In the description below, the DSA method 250is discussed from the perspective of the DPC 146 component, and may beperformed by a processing core in the DPC 146. However, it should beunderstood that the DSA method 250 may be performed by processing coresin a DPC 146 component, processing cores in DSC 144 a-d components, or acombination thereof. In addition, it should be understood that all theinteractions and communications between the DPC 146 and the othercomponents may be accomplished by DSAAP components and/or using theDSAAP protocol. As such, all such interactions and communications may beincluded in the DSAAP protocol.

In operation 252, a processing core in a DPC 146 component may receive a“request for resources” communication message from a first DSC 144 acomponent in a first network (e.g., E-UTRAN, etc.). It should beunderstood that the “request for resources” communication message andall other communication messages discussed in this application may beDSAAP messages.

The “request for resources” communication message may includeinformation suitable for informing the DPC 146 that the first network isinterested in purchasing, leasing, accessing, and/or using resourcesfrom other networks. The “request for resources” communication messagemay also include information suitable for identifying the types and/oramounts of resources (e.g., RF spectrum resources, etc.) that arerequested by the first network, the types and capabilities of thewireless devices 102 to which the requested resources will be allocated,and other similar information.

In operations 254, 256, and 258 the DPC 146 may generate and send a“resource inquiry” communication message to each of a second DSC 144 bcomponent in a second network, a third DSC 144 c component in a thirdnetwork, and a fourth DSC 144 d component in a fourth network,respectively. The DPC 146 may be configured to generate the “resourceinquiry” communication messages to include various component, device,and resource requirements, criteria, and information. For example, theDPC 146 may generate a “resource inquiry” communication message toinclude information identifying the types, capabilities, and geographiccriteria of user wireless devices 102 in the first network (and othernetworks) to which resources are to be allocated. The geographiccriteria may include a geographic location, a geographic polygon, and/orlicense area for a user wireless device 102 to which resources will beallocated.

In operations 260 and 262, the DPC 146 may receive “resource inquiryresponse” communication messages from the second and third DSCs 144 b,144 c. These “resource inquiry response” communication messages mayinclude information identifying the availability of excess resourcesthat comply with the requirements/criteria included in the resourceinquiry messages. In operation 264, the DPC 146 may receive another“resource inquiry response” communication message from the fourth DSC144 d. This “resource inquiry response” communication messages mayinclude information indicating that the fourth network does not includeresources that meet the requested requirements/criteria.

In an embodiment, as part of operations 260-264, the DPC 146 may updatea database record to identify the second and third networks as havingresources available for allocation and/or to identify the fourth networkas not including such resources.

In operation 266, the DPC 146 may generate and send a “resourceavailability” communication message to a plurality of DSCs in aplurality of networks, including the first DSC 144 a in the firstnetwork. The DPC 146 may be configured to generate the “resourceavailability” communication message to include information that issuitable for informing the networks that resources are available forallocation. In an embodiment, the DPC 146 may be configured to informthe networks that resources are available for allocation by broadcastinga communication signal that includes information suitable for informingthe networks that resources are available for allocation via auctionand/or an auction start time for the auction.

In operation 268, the DPC 146 may receive a “resource reservationrequest” communication message from the first DSC 144 a. The received“resource reservation request” communication message may includeinformation suitable for informing the DPC 146 that the first networkintends to participate in the auction and/or bid on at least a portionof the available resources.

In operations 270 and 272, the DPC 146 may send the “resourcereservation request” communication message to the second and third DSCs144 b, 144 c, respectively. The “resource reservation request”communication message may include information suitable for causing thesecond and third DSCs 144 b, 144 c to reserve all or a portion of theiravailable resources for allocation and use by other networks.

In operations 274 and 276, the DPC 146 may receive a “resourcereservation response” communication message from each of the second andthird DSCs 144 b, 144 c. The “resource reservation response” messagesmay include information suitable for informing the DPC 146 that therequested resources that have been reserved and/or information suitablefor identifying the reserved resources.

Optionally, in operation block 278, the DPC 146 may pool the reservedresources for allocation and use by wireless devices 102 in othernetworks (e.g., the first network). For example, the DPC 146 may combinea block of spectrum reserved in the second network with a block ofspectrum reserved in the third network. As another example, the DPC 146may pool the resources available in the first and fourth channels of ablock of spectrum reserved in the second network.

In operation 280, the DPC 146 may receive “resource bid” communicationmessages from a plurality of networks, including from the first DSC 144a in the first network. Each “resource bid” communication message mayinclude a bid or offer for accessing, using, leasing, and/or purchasinga resource, as well as other related bid information (e.g., price,requested allocation/access methods, etc.). As part of operation 280,the DPC 146 may determine whether the received resource bids comply withthe policies and rules of the DSA system and/or with requirements setforth by the networks offering the resources for allocation (e.g., meetthe minimum asking price, etc.).

In operation 282, the DPC 146 may accept the bid/offer from the firstnetwork in response to determining that the resource bid received fromthe first network complies with the policies/rules of the DSA system andwith requirements set forth by the resource offering network (e.g.,offers a monetary amount for the use of all or a portion of theresources in the pool of available resources that is greater than orequal to a minimum amount specified by the second network). Also inoperation 282, the DPC 146 may generate and send a “bid acceptance”communication message to the first DSC 144 a.

In operation 284, the DPC 146 may allocate the resources of the secondnetwork for access and used by wireless devices 102 in the first networkby sending an “assign resources request” communication message to thesecond DSC 144 b. That is, in operation 284, the DPC may determine thatthe portion of the resources (e.g., in the pool of available resources)won by the first DSC 144 a are fully available via the second network,and in response, only send the assign resources request message to thesecond network.

In operation 286, the DPC 146 may receive a “resources allocated”communication message from the second DSC 144 b. In operation 288, theDPC 146 may send the “resources allocated” communication message to thefirst DSC 144 a to inform the first network that the resources have beenallocated for access and used by its wireless devices 102 and/or thatthe use of the allocated resources may begin. In operation block 290,the DPC 146 may record a transaction in a transaction databaseidentifying these resources as being allocated for access and use by thefirst network.

In operation 292, the DPC 146 may receive a “release resources”communication message from the second DSC 144 b that includesinformation indicating that the allocated resources have been consumedand/or information suitable for requesting that the allocated resourcesbe released. In operation 294, the DPC 146 may send a resourceconsumed/release message to the first DSC 144 a to cause the firstnetwork to terminate its use of the allocated resources.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate an embodiment DSA method 300 for allocating andaccessing resources in a communication system that includes a DPC 146component, two DSC 144 a, 144 b components, and wireless devices 102.All or portions of DSA method 300 may be performed by processing coresin a DPC 146, DSCs 144 a-b, and/or wireless device 102. In the variousembodiments, any of all of the interactions and communications betweenthe components 146, 144 a, 144 b, and 102 may be accomplished orfacilitated by DSAAP components and/or using the DSAAP protocol. Assuch, all such interactions and communications may be included in theDSAAP protocol.

With reference to FIG. 3, in block 302, a first DSC 144 a in a firstnetwork may monitor user traffic (e.g., call and data traffic, etc.) ascompared to the total spectrum resources available to the first network.In block 304, the first DSC 144 a may generate a resource status reportbased on a result of its monitoring, record/store the resource statusreport in memory, and send a resource status report to the DPC 146 via aresources status report communication message. In determination block306, the first DSC 144 a may determine, based on the received resourcestatus reports, whether additional resources are required (and/orwhether there is a high probability that additional resources will berequired in the near future) to provide adequate service to the existingwireless devices 102 in the first network. In response to determiningthat additional resources are required (i.e., determination block306=“Yes”), in block 308, the first DSC 144 a may send a “request forresources” communication message to the DPC 146. In response todetermining that additional resources are not required (i.e.,determination block 306=“No”), the first DSC 144 a may continuemonitoring user traffic and/or perform other DSC operations in block302.

In block 310, a second DSC 144 b in a second network may monitor usertraffic as compared to the total spectrum resources available to thesecond network, generate resource status reports, and/or perform any orall of the DSC operations discussed in this application. Indetermination block 312, the second DSC 144 b may determine whetherthere is an excess amount of resources available in the second network.In response to determining that there are no excess resources availablein the second network (i.e., determination block 312=“No”), in block310, the second DSC 144 b may continue monitoring user traffic and/orperforming other DSC operations.

In response to determining that there is an excess amount of resourcesavailable in the second network (i.e., determination block 312=“Yes”),in block 314, the second DSC 144 b may mark, designate, or allocate allor portions of its excess resources for access and use by other networks(e.g., the first network, etc.). In block 316, the second DSC 144 b maygenerate a resource allocation report, and send the generated resourceallocation report to the DPC 146 (e.g., via a resource communicationmessage). The DSC 144 b may be configured to generate the resourceallocation report to include information identifying the resources (orportions or amounts of resources) that are available for allocationand/or that have been marked, designated, or allocated by the secondnetwork.

In block 320, the DPC 146 may receive various resource status andallocation reports from DSCs 144 in many different networks, includingthe first and second DSCs 144 a, 144 b in the first and second networks.These reports may include information identifying variouscharacteristics, criteria, requirements, and conditions of the networksand their components, such as the ratio of the detected user traffic tothe total available spectrum resources, the amount of resources that arerequired by a network, the amount of resources that are available forallocation in a network, the types and capabilities of the wirelessdevices 102 that will use the allocated resources, system requirementsthat must be met before the wireless devices 102 access the allocatedresources, network rules and policies with respect to access and use ofresources, and other similar information.

In block 322, the DPC 146 may store the received reports (e.g., resourcestatus reports, resource allocation reports, etc.) in memory (e.g., anon-volatile memory). In block 324, the DPC 146 may receive a requestfor resources from DSCs 144 in different networks, including the firstDSC 144 a in the first network. In block 326, the DPC 146 may use thereceived/stored information (e.g., information received in requests forresources, resource allocation reports, resource status reports, etc.)to identify and select the most suitable/best available network fromwhich the first network may lease or purchase additional resources. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 3, the DPC 146 identifies and selectsthe second network as the most suitable network to provide resources tothe first network.

In block 328, the DPC 146 may send a resource inquiry communicationmessage to the second DSC 1144 b. In block 330, the second DSC 1144 bmay receive the resource inquiry communication message. In block 332,the second DSC 1144 b may determine the availability, amounts, and/orquantity of the excess resources that are marked, designated, orallocated by the second network. In block 334, the second DSC 1144 b maygenerate and send a “resource inquiry response” communication message tothe DPC 146. The second DSC 1144 b may generate resource inquiryresponse to include information suitable for use in identifying theavailability and quantity of the resources that are marked, designated,or allocated for access and use by other networks (e.g., the firstnetwork). In block 336, the DPC 146 may receive the “resources inquiryresponse” communication message from the second DSC 1144 b, and inresponse, perform the operations of determination block 400 illustratedin FIG. 4.

With reference to FIG. 4, in determination block 400, the DPC 146 maydetermine whether resources are available based on the data (e.g.,resources inquiry response message) received from the second DSC 144 bin the second network. For example, the DPC 146 may determine that theidentified resources are not available in response to determining thatall or a portion of the resources were purchased or won by other biddersbefore they were reserved.

In response to determining that the resources are not available (i.e.,determination block 400=“No”), in block 402, the DPC 146 may send a “noresources available” communication message to the first DSC 144 a in thefirst network. In block 404, the first DSC 144 a may receive the “noresources available” communication message. In block 406, the first DSC144 a may search (e.g., via the DPC 146) for other available resources,request resources from a different network, request different resources,terminate connections or communication sessions with users to free-upresources, or perform other similar operations to manage network trafficand congestion in the first network.

In response to determining that the resources are available (i.e.,determination block 400=“Yes”), in block 408, the DPC 146 may send a“resources available” communication message to the first DSC 144 a. Theresources available message may include information that may be used bythe first DSC 144 a to determine the quality and quantity of resourcesin the second network that may be used by wireless devices 102 in thefirst network.

In block 410, the first DSC 144 a may receive the resources availablecommunication message sent from the DPC 146. In block 412, the first DSC144 a may determine the amount/quantity of resources that the firstnetwork requires and/or will attempt to acquire, and send this and otherresource information to the DPC 146 in a “request resources”communication message.

In block 414, the DPC 146 may receive the “request resources” messagefrom the first DSC 144 a. In block 416, the DPC 146 may use informationincluded in received message to generate and send a “reserve resourcesrequest” communication message to the second DSC 144 b in the secondnetwork.

In block 418, the second DSC 144 b may receive the “reserve resourcerequest” message from the DPC 146. In block 420, the second DSC 144 bmay use the information included in the received “reserve resourcesrequest” message to reserve the requested quantity of allocatedresources for access and use by components in other networks. In block422, the second DSC 144 b may send a “resource reserved” communicationmessage to the DPC 146 to confirm that the requested quantity ofresources has been reserved and/or to identify the reserved resources.

In block 424, the DPC 146 may receive the “resource reserved”communication message from the second DSC 144 b. In block 426, the DPC146 may offer the reserved resources for auction and/or begin acceptingresource bids on the reserved resources.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bidding procedure of the DSA method 300 that may beperformed after the DPC 146 offers the reserved resources for auctionand/or begins accepting resource bids on the reserved resources (e.g.,after performing the operations of block 426 illustrated in FIG. 4).

With reference to FIG. 5, in block 500, the first DSC 144 a in the firstnetwork may negotiate access to the reserved resources of second networkby sending a resource bid (e.g., via a communication message) to the DPC146. In block 502, the DPC 146 may receive the resource bid from thefirst DSC 144 a.

In determination block 504, the DPC 146 may determine whether thereceived resource bid is to be accepted, which may be accomplished bydetermining whether the resource bid complies with the policies andrules of the DSA system and the requirements of the second network(e.g., is greater than a minimum amount, etc.). In response todetermining that the resource bid received from the first DSC 144 a isto be accepted (i.e., determination block 504=“Yes”), in block 506, theDPC 146 may send an “accept bid” communication message to the first DSC144 a. In block 508, the first DSC 144 a may receive the “accept bid”message and wait to receive resource access instructions. In block 510,the DPC 146 may send an “assign resources” communication message to thesecond DSC 144 b in the second network.

In block 512, the second DSC 144 b may receive the “assign resources”communication message from the DPC 146. In block 514, the second DSC 144b may use the information included in the received “assign resources”message to assign all or portions of its reserved resources for accessand use by components in the first network. In block 516, the second DSC144 b may generate a “resources access” communication message thatincludes information (e.g., access parameters, etc.) that may be used bya wireless device 102 (i.e., in the first network) to access theassigned resources, and the send the “resources access” message to theDPC 146. In block 518, the second DSC 144 b may perform variousoperations to prepare for establishing a communication session/link towireless device 102 in the first network, such as by configuring orpreparing to receive a voice or data call.

In block 522, the DPC 146 may receive the “resources access”communication message from the second DSC 144 b, and relay the resourcesaccess message to the first DSC 144 a. In block 524, the first DSC 144 amay receive the “resources access” message from the DPC 146. Thereceived “resource access” message may include access parameters thatmay be used by the wireless devices 102 to access the allocatedresources of the second network. In block 526, the first DSC 144 a maysend access parameters to wireless devices 102 that have communicationsessions with the first network and/or to the wireless devices 102 thatthe first network has designated/marked for migration to other networks.

In block 528, the wireless devices 102 may receive the access parametersof second network from the first DSC 144 a. In blocks 530 and 520, thewireless devices 102 and/or second DSC 142 b may perform variousoperations to establish a communication session/link between thewireless devices 102 and the second network. The second DSC 144 b maythen perform the operations of block 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 anddiscussed further below.

As mentioned above, in determination block 504, the DPC 146 maydetermine whether the resource bid received from the first DSC 144 a isto be accepted. In response to determining that the resource bidreceived from the first DSC 144 a is not to be accepted (i.e.,determination block 504=“No”), the DPC 146 may perform the operations ofblock 600 illustrated in FIG. 6.

With reference to FIG. 6, in block 600, the DPC 146 may send a “rejectedbid” communication message to the first DSC 144 a. In block 602, thefirst DSC 144 a may receive the “rejected bid” message from the DPC 146.In determination block 604, the first DSC 144 a may determine whetherthe first network will/should rebid for the resources. In response todetermining that the first network will/should rebid for the resources(i.e., determination block 604=“Yes”), in block 606, the first DSC 144 amay send a new resource bid (e.g., in a resource bid communicationmessage) to the DPC 146.

In block 608, the DPC 146 may receive the new resource bid (or rebid)from the first DSC 144 a. In determination block 610, the DPC 146 maydetermine whether to accept the new resource bid, such as by determiningwhether the new resource bid complies with the policies and rules of theDSA system and the requirements of the second network. In response todetermining that the new resource bid is to be accepted (i.e.,determination block 610=“Yes”), the DPC 146 may perform the operationsof block 506 illustrated in FIG. 5. In response to determining that thenew resource bid is to not be accepted (i.e., determination block610=“No”), the DPC 146 may perform the operations of block 600.

In response to determining that the first network should rebid for theresources (i.e., determination block 604=“No”), in block 612, the firstDSC 144 a may send a “cancel resource request” communication message tothe DPC 146. In block 614, the DPC 146 may receive the “cancel resourcerequest” message from the first DSC 144 a. In block 616, the DPC 146 maysend a “release of resources” communication message to the second DSC144 b.

In block 618, the second DSC 144 b may receive the “release ofresources” message from the DPC 146. In block 620, the second DSC 144 bmay release the reserved resources so that they may be used by othernetworks. The second DSC 144 b may then report the status of theallocated resources to DPC 146, which may be accomplished by performingthe operations of block 316, which is illustrated in FIG. 3 anddiscussed above.

FIG. 7 illustrates settlement procedure of the DSA method 300 that maybe performed after second network provides access to the secondary userwireless devices 102 in the first network (i.e., after performing theoperations of block 520 illustrated in FIG. 5).

In block 700, the second DSC 144 b may send invoices and paymentinstructions relating to the use of allocated resources by the firstnetwork to the DPC 146. In block 704, the DPC 146 may relay the receivedinvoice and payment instructions to the first DSC 144 a. In block 706,the first DSC 144 a may receive the invoices and payment instructions,and settle the charges with the second network in block 718.

Optionally or alternatively, in block 708, the second DSC 144 b may sendusage parameters and payment instructions to the DPC 146. In block 710,the DPC 146 may receive the usage parameters and payment instructionsfrom the second DSC 144 b. In block 712, the DPC 146 may create aninvoice for the access and use of the resources. In block 714, the DPC146 may send the invoice to the first DSC 144 a in the first network. Inblock 716, the first DSC 144 a may receive the invoice and paymentinstructions, and perform various operations to settle the charges withsecond network in block 718.

In the various embodiments, the DPC 146 and DSC 144 components may beconfigured to communicate via an interface, which may be implemented in,or provided via, a dynamic spectrum arbitrage application part (DSAAP)protocol/module/component that is defined over the Xe and/or Xdreference points. The DSAAP may allow, facilitate, support, or augmentcommunications between the DPC 146 and DSC 144 so as to improve theefficiency and speed of the DSA system and telecommunication network. Invarious embodiments, all or portions of the DSAAP module/component maybe included in a DPC 146 component, a DSC 144 component, in a componentthat is independent of the DPC 146 and DSC 144 components, or anycombination thereof. The DSAAP module/component may allow these andother DSA components to communicate information using the DSAAPprotocol.

For example, the DSAAP may allow the DPC 146 and DSC 144 components tocommunicate specific information and/or perform operations that togetherprovide various functions, including a DSC registration function,resource availability advertisement function, bidding and allocation ofresources functions, handing off lessee users to lessor networkfunction, backoff from lessor networks function, error handling function(e.g., reporting of general error situations for which function specificerror messages are not defined, etc.), DSC de-registration function,error indication function, DSC bidding success and failure indicationfunctions, and DSC resource allocation withdrawal function. In variousembodiments, these functions may be provided, implemented, oraccomplished by configuring the DPC 146 and/or DSC 144 components toperform one or a combination of the DSAAP methods discussed below withreference to FIGS. 8A-17B. Using the DSAAP protocol and performing theDSAAP methods may include communicating via one or more DSAAP messages.

In various embodiments, the DSAAP messages used to communicateinformation between the DSC 144 and DPC 146 may include a DSC REGISTERREQUEST message, DSC REGISTER ACCEPT message, DSC REGISTER REJECTmessage, DSC DE-REGISTER message, DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message,DSC RESOURCE REGISTER ACCEPT message, DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECTmessage, AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message, AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSEmessage, AVAILABLE BIDS REJECT message, DSC BID REQUEST message, DSC BIDACCEPT message, DSC BID REJECT message, DSC BID OUTBID message, DSC BIDWON message, DSC BID LOST message, DSC BID CANCELLED message, DSC BUYREQUEST message, DSC BUY ACCEPT message, DSC BUY REJECT message, DSCRESOURCES ALLOCATED message, DSC RESOURCES WITHDRAWN message, and/or DSCBACKOFF COMMAND message. Each of these messages may include, or may beassociated with, criticality information, presence information, rangeinformation, and assigned criticality information. These messages andtheir contents are discussed in detail further below.

In various embodiments, the DSAAP methods may be performed in a DSAsystem that includes a first DSC server in a first telecommunicationnetwork (e.g., a lessee network), a second DSC server in secondtelecommunication network (e.g., a lessor network), and a DPC serverthat is outside of the first and second telecommunication networks. Thefirst DSC may include first DSC processor coupled to the DPC via a firstcommunication link, and the second DSC may include a second DSCprocessor coupled to the DPC via a second communication link. The secondDSC may be coupled to an eNodeB in the second telecommunication networkvia third communication link. The first and second communication linksmay be defined over the Xd interface, and the third communication linkis defined over the Xe interface.

FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate an embodiment DSAAP registration method800 for registering a DSC 144 component with a DPC 146 so as to allowthe DPC 146 to provide various services to the DSC 144 (e.g.,advertizing a lessor DSC's 144 resources for bidding, allowing a lesseeDSC 144 to bid for resources provided by other networks, etc.). In theexamples illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8C, the DSAAP registrationmethod 800 is performed by processing cores in a DPC 146 component and aDSC 144 component, each of which may include all or portions of a DSAAPmodule/component. The operations DSAAP registration method 800 may beperformed after, or in response to the DSC 144 or DPC 146 detectingthat, an XE signaling transport or communication link has beenestablished.

In operation 802 illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8C, the DSC 144 mayinitiate DSAAP registration method 800 by generating and sending a DSCREGISTER REQUEST message to the DPC 146. In an embodiment, the DSC 144may be configured to generate and/or send the DSC REGISTER REQUESTmessage in response to determining that it requires services from theDPC 146. For example, the DSC 144 may be configured to generate the DSCREGISTER REQUEST message in response to determining that itscorresponding network (i.e., the network represented by the DSC)includes excess resources that may be allocated to other networks. Asanother example, the DSC 144 may be configured to generate the DSCREGISTER REQUEST message in response to determining that its networkrequires additional resources to provide adequate service to itsexisting wireless devices 102 in view of the current or expected futureuser traffic, network congestion, etc.

In various embodiments, the DSC 144 may be configured to generate theDSC REGISTER REQUEST message to include any or all of a message typeinformation element (IE), a message ID IE, a DSC identity IE, a DSCInternet protocol (IP) address IE, a DSC type IE, a DSC PLMN-ID IE, PLMNtype IE, and DSC resource update timer IE. The DSC PLMN-ID IE mayinclude a PLMN ID that is suitable for use in identifying the network(e.g., E-UTRAN) that is associated with, or represented by, the DSC 144.The PLMN type IE may include information that is suitable for use indetermining the type of network (e.g., public safety, commercial, etc.)that is represented by the DSC 144. The DSC IP address IE may includethe IP address of a DSC 144 that is responsible for managing,maintaining, or providing the XE interface of the DSAAP.

In operation block 804 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the DPC 146 mayperform various registration operations (i.e., authenticating the DSC,storing DSC identifier information in memory, etc.) to register the DSC144 with the DPC 146. In an embodiment, as part of these registrationoperations, the DPC 146 may overwrite/override an existing registrationwith a new registration, such as in response to receiving a duplicateDSC REGISTER REQUEST message (i.e. for an already registered DSCidentified by the same unique DSC identity).

In operation block 806 illustrated in FIG. 8A, the DPC 146 may determinethat the registration operations were successful. In operation 808, theDPC 146 may generate and send a DSC REGISTER ACCEPT message to the DSC144 to indicate the acceptance and registration of the DSC 144. Invarious embodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the DSC REGISTER ACCEPTmessage to include any or all of a message type information element(IE), a message ID IE, a DPC ID IE, a XEh signaling transport networklayer (TNL) address IE, and a tunneling information IE. The XEhsignaling TNL address IE may include an address value that is suitablefor use in establishing to transport layer session. The tunnelinginformation IE may include information that may used to encapsulate adifferent payload protocol, establish a secured communication through anuntrusted or unverified network, carry a payload over an incompatibledelivery-network, and/or to perform other similar tunneling operations.

To support XEh connectivity via/to the DPC 146, in operation block 810,the DSC 144 may use the address value included in the XEh signaling TNLaddress IE of the DSC REGISTER ACCEPT message establish a transportlayer session. In an embodiment, the DSC 144 may be configured toestablish the transport layer session in response to determining thatthe DSC REGISTER ACCEPT message includes an address value in the XEhsignaling TNL address information element. In an embodiment, the DSC 144may be configured to determine that the XEh connectivity via/to the DPC146 is not supported or not required in response to determining that theXEh signaling TNL address information element is not present, null,empty, or not valid.

With reference to FIG. 8B, in operation block 812, the DPC 146 maydetermine that the registration operations performed as part ofoperation 804 failed. The DPC 146 may determine that registration failedin response to detecting any of a variety of conditions/events,including the failure to authenticate or authorize the DSC, network orcomponent overload, DSC parameter mismatch, etc. In operation 814, theDPC 146 may generate and send a DSC REGISTER REJECT message to the DSC144 to inform the DSC 144 that the registration failed and/or that theDPC 146 cannot register the DSC 144. In various embodiments, the DPC 146may generate the DSC REGISTER REJECT message to include any or all of amessage type information element (IE), a message ID IE, a cause IE, acriticality diagnostics IE, and a backoff timer IE. The cause IE mayinclude information suitable for identifying a specific reason for thefailure (e.g., overloaded, etc.) or for indicating that the reason forthe failure is not known or is unspecified.

In operation block 816, the DSC 144 may perform various registrationfailure-response operations based on the information included in thereceived REGISTER REJECT message. For example, the DSC 144 may wait fora duration indicated in the backoff timer IE of the received REGISTERREJECT message before reattempting registration with that same DPC 146in response to determining that the value of the cause IE in thereceived REGISTER REJECT message is set to “overload.”

With reference to FIG. 8C, in operation block 852, the DSC 144 may starta register response timer in response to sending a DSC REGISTER REQUESTmessage to the DPC 146 (e.g., as part of operation 802). In operationblock 854, the DSC 144 may determine that the register response timerexpired before the DSC 144 received a DSC REGISTER RESPONSE message. Inoperation 856, the DSC 144 may resend the DSC REGISTER REQUEST messageto the DPC 146 in response to determining that the timer expired beforeit received a corresponding DSC REGISTER RESPONSE message. In operationblock 858, the DSC 144 may restart or reset the register response timer.In operation 860, the DPC may send a DSC REGISTER RESPONSE message tothe DSC 144. In operation block 862, the DSC 144 may stop the registerresponse timer in response to receiving the DSC REGISTER RESPONSEmessage.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a DSAAP advertizing method 900 foradvertizing resources that are available for bidding/buying so as toallow the DPC 146 to store, organize, and/or make those resourcesavailable for bidding/allocation via a financial brokerage platform. Inthe examples illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the DSAAP advertizingmethod 900 is performed by processing cores in a DPC 146 component and aDSC 144 component, each of which may include all or portions of a DSAAPmodule/component.

In operation block 902 illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the DSC 144 maydetermine that there are resources available for allocation within cellsserviced by that DSC 144. In operation block 904, the DSC 144 maygenerate and send a DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message to the DPC146. In various embodiments, the DSC 144 may generate the DSC RESOURCEREGISTER REQUEST message to include any or all of a message typeinformation element (IE), a message ID IE, a DSC identity IE, a DSC typeIE, a PLMN-ID list IE, resource availability IE, resource availabilitystart time IE, a data bandwidth IE, a list of grids IE, a bid or buy IE,a minimum bid amount IE, resource availability end time IE, a time ofthe day IE, a time duration IE, megabits per second (MBPS) IE, and acell identity IE.

The DSC identity IE may include information that may be used by the DPC146 to determine the identity of DSC 144. For example, the DSC identityIE may include a DSC pool ID, DSC instance information, and a PLMN ID ofthe network that the DSC is managing or representing. The DSC pool IDmay be a unique identifier of a pool of available resources and/or maybe the same as or similar to MME pool IDs and MME IDs in 3GPP EPCarchitecture.

The message ID IE may include a message identifier for the specific DSCRESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message sent from the DSC 144. The DSC 144 andDPC 146 may be configured to use the message ID IE as a sequence numberto identify and correlate DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST, DSC RESOURCEREGISTER ACCEPT and/or DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECT messages.

The resource availability IE may include information suitable for use bythe DPC 146 in determining the PLMN ID of the network that isadvertising resources for allocation and use by other networks. The DPC146 may be configured to receive, store, and/or maintain resourceavailability IEs for multiple DSCs and/or for multiple differentnetworks (i.e. different PLMN IDs). As such, each resource availabilityIE may include information suitable for identifying one or more of thenetworks that are advertising resources.

The time of the day IE may include information suitable for use by theDPC 146 in determining the time of the day that the DSC 144 transmittedthe DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message. The time duration IE mayinclude information that is suitable for use in determining a timeperiod during which the resources are to be made available for biddingor buying.

The data bandwidth IE may include information suitable for use indetermining the available bandwidth (e.g., in MBPS) for the timeduration specified in the optional time duration IE. The DPC 146 maydetermine that the bandwidth specified in the MBPS IE is to be madeavailable until that bandwidth is consumed by the winning bidder orbuyer in response to determining that the time duration IE is notincluded in the received DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message (or inresponse to determining that the time duration IE does not include avalid value).

The list of grids IE may include information suitable for use indetermining grid identifiers for the locations of the network bandwidththat is to be made available for bidding or buying. The cell identity IEmay include information suitable for use in determining the individualcells within each grid (identified by grid ID and cell ID) that haveavailable resources offered for bidding or buying as part of the offerin the DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message. The minimum bid amount IEmay include a monetary amount in a denomination or currency, such as inUnited States Dollars (USD).

In operation block 906 illustrated in FIG. 9A, the DPC 146 may acceptthe DSC's 144 resources for bidding. In operation 908, the DPC 146 maygenerate and send a DSC RESOURCE REGISTER RESPONSE or DSC RESOURCEREGISTER ACCEPT message to the DSC 144 to acknowledge that the resourceswere accepted. In various embodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the DSCRESOURCE REGISTER message to include any or all of a message typeinformation element (IE), a bid ID IE, and a message ID IE. The messageID IE may include the same message identifier value that is included inthe received DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message. The DPC 146 and/orDSC may be configured to use the value of the message ID IE to identifyand correlate the DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST and DSC RESOURCEREGISTER ACCEPT messages. In operation block 910, the DPC 146 may store,organize, and/or make the network resources available for bidding orbuying via the financial brokerage platform.

In operation 912 illustrated in FIG. 9B, the DPC 146 may reject the DSCRESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message and/or reject for bidding theresources identified in the received DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUESTmessage. The DPC 146 may reject the message/resources for a variety ofreasons and/or in response to detecting any of a variety of events orconditions. For example, the DPC 146 may reject the resources inresponse to determining that the DPC 146 is not accepting resources fromany operator, is not accepting resources for the specific operatoridentified in the received message, is not accepting the resourcesidentified in the message, that the DPC is overloaded, that there isinsufficient memory to store and service the resources available forbidding, etc. The DPC 146 may also reject the resource available messagein response to determining that an administrator of the DPC 146 hasdisabled further bidding from the specific PLMN ID included in the DSCRESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST message, from all the networks (e.g., all thePLMN IDs), etc.

In operation 914 illustrated in FIG. 9B, the DPC 146 may generate andsend a DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECT message to the DSC 144. In variousembodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECTmessage to include any or all of a message type information element(IE), a message ID IE, a cause IE, and a criticality diagnostics IE. TheDPC 146 may also generate the DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECT message toinclude a message ID IE that includes a value that is the same as themessage identifier included in the DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST messagereceived from DSC 144. The DPC 146 and/or DSC 144 may be configured touse the value of the message ID IE to identify and correlate the DSCRESOURCE REGISTER REQUEST and DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECT messages.

In operation block 916, the DSC 144 may perform various resourceregistration failure response operations based on information includedin the received DSC RESOURCE REGISTER REJECT message. For example, theDSC 144 may use the information included in the DSC RESOURCE REGISTERREJECT message to determine whether to reattempt resource registrationwith the DPC 146, attempt to register the resources with another DPC,reattempt the registration with different resources, or perform any ofthe other DSC operations discussed in this application.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a DSAAP method 1000 for communicating alist of available resources in accordance with an embodiment. DSAAPmethod 1000 may be performed to inform lessee networks of the resourcebids or resources that are available for bidding/buying. In the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the DSAAP method 1000 is performed byprocessing cores in a DPC 146 component and a DSC 144 component, each ofwhich may include all or portions of a DSAAP module/component. In anembodiment, a lessee DSC 144 may be configured to perform DSAAP method1000 to retrieve/receive a list of available resources prior to that DSC144 bidding on, or requesting to lease or purchase, resources from theDPC 146.

In operation 1002 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a lessee DSC 144 maygenerate and send an AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message to the DPC 146 torequest information on the resource bids that are available forallocation from lessor network(s) for bidding or buying. In variousembodiments, the lessee DSC 144 may generate the AVAILABLE BIDS REQUESTmessage to include any or all of a sequence number information element(IE), a message type IE, a PLMN list IE that includes one or more PLMNID IEs, a grid ID list IE that includes one or more Grid ID IEs.

In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 may be configured to requestspecific resources from a specific network by generating the AVAILABLEBIDS REQUEST message to include the PLMN ID of the desired network,which may be included in the PLMN ID IE of the PLMN list IE in theAVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message.

In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 may be configured to requestresources from any available network by not populating the PLMN list IEin the generated AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message and/or by generating theAVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message to not include a PLMN list IE and/or PLMNID value.

In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 may be configured to requestresources from a specific grid within a lessor network by generating theAVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message to include the grid IDs of the desiredgrids, which may be included in the grid ID IE of the grid ID list IE inthe AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message.

In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 may be configured to requestresources from any or all grids within a specified PLMN ID in PLMN ID IEgrid by not populating the grid ID list IE in the generated AVAILABLEBIDS REQUEST message and/or by generating the AVAILABLE BIDS REQUESTmessage to not include a grid ID.

In operation block 1004 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the DPC 146may determine whether the PLMN ID(s) and grid ID(s) included in thereceived AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message are valid. If the PLMN ID(s) andgrid ID(s) are incorrect, in operation block 1005, the DPC 146 maydetermine a reason code for the error/incorrect values. In operationblock 1006, the DPC 146 may determine whether there are resources/bidsavailable for each grid identified in the received AVAILABLE BIDSREQUEST message or for all the available grids (e.g., when the grid IDlist IE in the received AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message not include validvalues).

In operation 1008 illustrated in FIG. 10A, the DPC 146 may generate andsend an AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to the DSC 144. The DPC 146 maybe configured to generate the AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to includeany or all of a message type information element (IE), a message ID IE,a DSC identity IE, a PLMN-ID grid cell bid info list IE, a sequencenumber IE, a PLMN list IE that includes one or more PLMN ID IEs, and agrid list IE. In an embodiment, the PLMN list IE and grid list IE may beincluded in the PLMN-ID grid cell bid info list IE. In an embodiment,the grid list IE may include one or more cell ID list IEs that includeone or more cell ID IEs.

In various embodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the AVAILABLE BIDSRESPONSE message to also include any or all of an absoluteradio-frequency channel number (ARFCN) IE, a channel bandwidth IE, amegabit or megabyte IE for identifying total available bandwidth, a MBPSIE for identifying the peak data rate for the resource, a resourceavailable time IE, a resource expiration time IE, a bid/buy IE, abid/buy expiry time IE, a minimum bid amount IE, and a buy price IE. TheDPC 146 may generate the AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to include suchinformation for each PMLN, each resource, each grid, and/or each cellidentified in the message.

In an embodiment, the DPC 146 may be configured to generate theAVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to include the list of PLMN ID, lists ofgrid ID(s) within each PLMN, and the available resources/bids withineach grid in response to determining that there are bids for resourcesavailable for auction.

In an embodiment, the DPC 146 may be configured to generate theAVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to include the message type and sequencenumber IEs (or valid values for these IEs) in response to determiningthat there no resources/bids for resources available for auction by thatDPC 146 for the relevant networks/PLMN IDs. In an embodiment, the DPC146 may be configured to generate the AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message toinclude a sequence number IE having the same value as in the sequencenumber IE included in the received AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message. In anembodiment, the DSC 144 may be configured to use the sequence number IEsin these request and response messages to correlate the messages.

In an embodiment, the DPC 146 may be configured to generate theAVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to include a PLMN list IE that includesa PLMN ID and grid ID list IE. The grid ID list IE may include a list ofcells available for auction within the grid. The cell ID list IE mayinclude a cell ID, and for each cell, the ARFCN, channel bandwidth,total available bandwidth, peak data rate allowed, the time of day(e.g., in UTC) when the resources are available and when theyexpire/end, whether it's a bid or buy type auction, minimum bid amountor buy price, bid expiry time (e.g., in UTC), and other similarinformation.

In operation block 1010, the DSC 144 may use the information included inthe AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message to identify the resources that areavailable for bidding, determine whether the DSC 144 will submit a bidfor the available resources, determine the resources for which the DSC144 will submit bids, and/or perform other similar operations.

With reference to FIG. 10B, in operation 1012, the DPC 146 may rejectthe AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message received from lessee DSC 144 bygenerating and sending a AVAILABLE BIDS REJECT message to the DSC 144.The DPC 146 may be configured to reject the AVAILABLE BIDS REQUESTmessage in response to determining (e.g., as part of operation 1004 or1006) that one or more of the PLMN IDs supplied in the request messageis not from any of the known networks, that one or more of the Grid IDssupplied in the request message is not valid with respect to thesupplied PLMN ID, and/or that there are no resources/bids available inthe relevant grids.

In an embodiment, the DPC 146 may be configured to generate theAVAILABLE BIDS REJECT message to include a message type informationelement (IE), a message ID IE, a cause IE, a criticality diagnostics IE,and a sequence number IE. The cause IE may include a reason code (e.g.,Invalid PLMN ID, Invalid Grid ID, etc.) for the rejection of theavailable bids request, which may be determined in operation block 1005.The sequence number IE may include the same sequence number value thatwas included in the AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message received from lesseeDSC 144. As such, the DPC 146 and/or DSC 144 may be configured to usesequence number IEs in the request and response messages to correlatethose messages.

In operation block 1014, the DSC 144 may use the information included inthe received AVAILABLE BIDS REJECT message to perform variousfailure-response operations. For example, the DSC 144 may determinewhether to send another AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message to the DPC 146,determine whether to send another AVAILABLE BIDS REQUEST message to adifferent DPC, etc.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a DSAAP bidding method 1100 of bidding forDSC resources, which allows different lessee networks to bid forresources that are available from lessor networks. In the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the DSAAP method 1100 is performed byprocessing cores in a DPC 146 component and a DSC 144 component, each ofwhich may include all or portions of a DSAAP module/component.

In an embodiment, the DSC 144 and/or DPC 146 may be configured toperform DSAAP method 1100 after the DSC 144 retrieves the list ofresources that are available for bidding (e.g., after performing DSAAPmethod 1000). In various embodiments, the DSC 144 and/or DPC 146 may beconfigured to perform DSAAP method 1100 continuously or repeatedly untilthe expiration of a bidding time. In an embodiment, the DPC 146 may beconfigured to select a winning bid (i.e., bid highest bid value) at theexpiry of a bidding time.

In operation 1102 of method 1100 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, thelessee DSC 144 may generate and send a DSC BID REQUEST message to theDPC 146 to bid for one or more of the resource that are determined to beavailable from a lessor network, (i.e., one or more of resourcesincluded the list of resources obtained via the performance of method1000). The lessee DSC 144 may be configured to generate the DSC BIDREQUEST message to include any or all of a message type informationelement (IE), a message ID IE, a DSC identity IE, a DSC type IE, bid IDIE, a PLMN ID IE, and a bid amount IE. The bid ID IE may includeinformation suitable for identifying a specific resource for which thelessee DSC 144 places a bid. The PLMN ID IE may include informationsuitable for use in identifying the PLMN ID of the network associatedwith the resources identified in the bid ID IE. The bid amount IE mayinclude a monetary amount in a currency (e.g., USD), or the bid value.

In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 may be configured to generate theDSC BID REQUEST message to include a bid amount IE value that is greaterthan a minimum bid amount specified in a bid listing for the specificresource/bid ID. In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 may be configuredto obtain the minimum bid amount and/or bid listing from the receivedAVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message (e.g., the message sent as part ofoperation 1008 illustrated in FIG. 10A).

In operation block 1104 illustrated in FIG. 11A, the DPC 146 may use theinformation included in the received DSC BID REQUEST message todetermine whether the bid (resource bid) is valid and is to be accepted,such as by determining whether the bid complies with the policies andrules of the DSA system and the requirements of the lessor network. Inoperation 1106, the DPC 146 may generate and send DSC BID ACCEPT messageto the DSC in response to determining that the bid is valid and/or is tobe accepted. The DPC 146 may be configured to generate the DSC BIDACCEPT message to include any or all of a message type informationelement (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE, and other informationsuitable for informing the DSC 144 that the bid has been determined tobe valid and/or has been accepted.

It should be noted that, in the example discussed above, the DSC BIDACCEPT message informs the DSC 144 that the bid is valid/accepted, notthat lessee DSC 144 has won the bid. The winning lessee DSC may beinformed via DSC BID WON message when the DPC 146 determines that thebid time has expired and that lessee DSC is the highest bidder at thetime of bid expiry. Similarly, the DPC 146 may inform lessee DSC(s) whoparticipated in the bidding process but submitted losing bids that theydid not submit a winning bid via a DSC BID LOST message. The DSC BID WONmessage and DSC BID LOST message are discussed in more detail furtherbelow.

With reference to FIG. 11B, in operation block 1108, the DPC 146 may usethe information included in the received DSC BID REQUEST message todetermine that the bid is not valid and is not to be accepted. Forexample, the DPC 146 may use the received information to determine thatthe bid does not comply with the policies/rules of the DSA system and/ordoes not comply with the requirements of the lessor network (e.g., doesnot meet the minimum asking price, etc.). As further examples, the DPC146 may be configured to determine that the bid is not valid or is notto be accepted in response to determining that the bid amount specificin bid amount IE in the BID REQUEST message is not higher than theminimum bid, that the bid amount is not the highest among currentlyoffered bids, that the bid id included in the bid ID IE is invalid, orthat the bid/resource is no longer available for bidding (e.g., due toexpiry, end of auction, bid withdrawn or invalid bid id).

In operation 1110, the DPC 146 may generate and send a DSC BID REJECTmessage to the DSC 144. The DPC 146 may be configured to generate theDSC BID REJECT message to include any or all of a message typeinformation element (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE, a cause IE, anda criticality diagnostics IE. The bid ID IE in the DSC BID REJECTmessage may include the same value as the bid identifier included in thereceived DSC BID REQUEST message. The cause IE may include a reason codeidentifying a reason for the rejection of the bid (e.g., minimum bid notmet, outbid, bid not found, etc.). In operation block 1112, the DSC 144may use information included in the received DSC BID REJECT message toperform various bid request failure-response operations, such asoperations to determine whether to rebid for the resources, to generatea new DSC BID REQUEST message that includes a valid bid ID, etc.

FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrate a DSAAP notification method 1200 ofinforming participating networks of the results of the biddingoperations. That is, DSAAP notification method 1200 may be performed toinform DSCs 144 of a result of an auction (e.g., that they submitted awinning bid, that they have been outbid, that they submitted a losingbid, that the auction was cancelled, etc.). In the examples illustratedin FIGS. 12A-12D, the DSAAP notification method 1200 is performed byprocessing cores in a DPC 146 component and a DSC 144 component, each ofwhich may include all or portions of a DSAAP module/component.

DSAAP notification method 1200 may be performed after the DPC 146notifies the DSC 144 that the bid has been accepted (e.g., afteroperation 1106 illustrated in FIG. 11). The DSAAP notification method1200 also may be performed after the expiry of a bidding time and/or inresponse to the DPC 146 detecting an event or condition (e.g., new bidreceived, outbid, etc.).

In operation block 1202 illustrated in FIG. 12A, the DPC 146 maydetermine that the bid amount specific in bid amount IE in the last,latest, or most current BID REQUEST message accepted from the DSC 144 isnot the highest among the current bids. In operation 1204, the DPC 146may generate and send a DSC BID OUTBID message to the DSC 144 to informthe lessee DSC 144 that its earlier bid was outbid by a higher bid fromanother lessee DSC and/or that their earlier bid is no longer valid. Invarious embodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the DSC BID OUTBID messageto include any or all of a message type information element (IE), amessage ID IE, a cause IE, a bid info IE, a criticality diagnostics IE,a DSC ID IE and a BID ID IE.

The DSC ID IE may include information that is suitable for use inidentifying the specific lessee DSC 144. The BID ID IE may include a bidID suitable for use in identifying the submitted bid that has beenoutbid. In operation block 1206, the lessee DSC 144 may perform variousbid-outbid failure-response operations, such as by determining whetherto submit a higher bid for the resources to that DPC 146, to submit abid to a different DPC 146, to drop existing calls to free bandwidth,etc.

With reference to FIG. 12B, in operation block 1210, the DPC 146 maydetermine that the bidding time has expired and that the bid amountspecific in bid amount IE in the last, latest, or most current BIDREQUEST message accepted from the DSC 144 is the highest among thecurrent bids. In operation 1212, the DPC 146 may generate and send a DSCBID WON message to the DSC 144 to inform the lessee DSC 144 that theirearlier bid is the winning bid. In various embodiments, the DPC 146 maygenerate the DSC BID WON message to include any or all of a message typeinformation element (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE, a bid info IE, aDSC ID IE, and original bid details such as bandwidth, MBPS, durationand the winning bid amount, etc. The DSC ID IE may include informationthat is suitable for use in identifying the specific lessee DSC 144. Thebid ID IE may include a bid identifier suitable for identifying the bidthat won the resource auction/bidding operations.

In operation block 1214, the winning lessee DSC 144 may wait to receiveDSC RESOURCES ALLOCATED message from the DPC 146 before scheduling itsnetwork equipment and device (e.g., wireless devices) to start using theresources and/or for the resources to be made available for use (i.e.scheduling for the time of day when the resources will be ready for useby the winning lessee network). In operation block 1216, the DPC 146 mayclose the auction, such as by rejecting further bids from other networksfor the resources won by the bid submitted by lessee DSC 144.

With reference to FIG. 12C, in operation block 1220, the DPC 146 maydetermine that the bidding time has expired and that the bid amountspecific in bid amount IE in the last, latest, or most current BIDREQUEST message accepted from the DSC 144 is not the highest among thecurrent bids. In operation 1222, the DPC 146 may generate and send a DSCBID LOST message to the DSC 144 to inform the lessee DSC 144 that itsearlier bid has not won the bid and the auction/bid is closed due toanother lessee DSC winning the auction. In various embodiments, the DPC146 may generate the DSC BID LOST message to include any or all of amessage type information element (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE, anda DSC ID IE. The DSC ID IE may include information that is suitable foruse in identifying the specific lessee DSC 144 that submitted the losingbid and/or to which the DSC BID LOST message is sent. The bid ID IE mayinclude a bid identifier suitable for use in identifying the submittedbid.

In operation block 1224, the lessee DSC 144 may perform various failureresponse operations, such as determining whether to submit a bid to forother available resources, whether to drop existing calls to free upresources, etc. In operation block 1226, the DPC 146 may close theauction and/or allow the losing lessee DSCs to bid for other availableresources.

With reference to FIG. 12D, in operation block 1230, the DPC 146 maydetermine that the auction for a network resource that the DSC 144previously submitted a bid has been cancelled. For example, the DPC 146may determine that the auction has been withdrawn by lessor networkoperator or that the auction has been cancelled by DPC operator foradministrative reasons. In operation 1232, the DPC 146 may generate andsend a DSC BID CANCELLED message to the DSC 144 to inform the lessee DSC144 that the auction has been cancelled. In various embodiments, the DPC146 may generate the DSC BID CANCELLED message to include any or all ofa message type information element (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE, aDSC ID IE, and a cause IE. The DSC ID IE may include information that issuitable for use in identifying the specific lessee DSC 144. The bid IDIE may include a bid identifier suitable for use in identifying theresource/bid for which the auction has been cancelled. The cause IE mayinclude a reason code for the bid's cancellation (e.g., auctionwithdrawn, auction cancelled, etc.). In operation block 1234, the lesseeDSC 144 may perform various failure-response operations, such as bydetermining whether to submit a bid to a different DPC 146, to dropcalls, etc.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a DSAAP purchase method 1300 of allowing alessee network to make an immediate (or near immediate) purchase and/orclaim of use for a resource that is made available for allocation by alessor network. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, theDSAAP purchasing method 1300 is performed by processing cores in a DPC146 component and a DSC 144 component, each of which may include all orportions of a DSAAP module/component. In an embodiment, the DSC 144 andDPC 146 may be configured to perform DSAAP method 1300 after the DSC 144retrieves/receives a list of resources that are available for purchase(e.g., after performing DSAAP method 1000 discussed above with referenceto FIG. 10).

In operation block 1302 illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the lessee DSC144 may identify and select a specific resource for immediate purchasefrom the list of resources (e.g., list of resources obtained fromperforming DSAAP method 1000 discussed above). In various theembodiments, the lessee DSC 144 may select a resource that is scheduledfor bidding, that is currently being auctioned, that is only madeavailable for immediate purchase, etc. In operation 1304, the DSC 144may generate and send DSC BUY REQUEST message to the DPC 146 to requestto buy the identified/selected resources from a lessor network.

In various embodiments, the DSC 144 may generate the DSC BUY REQUESTmessage to include any or all of a message type information element(IE), a message ID IE, a DSC identity IE, a DSC type IE, a bid ID IE, abuy amount IE, and a PLMN ID IE. The PLMN ID IE may include informationsuitable for use in identifying the PLMN ID of the network associatedwith the bid, which may identified via the bid ID IE. The buy amount IEmay include the amount (e.g., in USD) of the bid (i.e., bid value)submitted by the lessee DSC 144.

In an embodiment, the DSC 144 may be configured to generate the DSC BUYREQUEST message to include a buy amount value that is equal to an amountidentified via a buy amount IE in a listing for the bid ID included in areceived AVAILABLE BIDS RESPONSE message (which is discussed above withreference to FIG. 10).

In operation block 1306 illustrated in FIG. 13A, the DPC 146 may use theinformation included in the received DSC BUY REQUEST message to identifythe requested resource, the network associated with the requestresource, whether the requested resource is currently being auctioned,whether the requested resource has been made available for immediatepurchase, a minimum purchase amount requested for the immediate purchaseof that resource, and/or whether the buy amount included in the receivedDSC BUY REQUEST message is equal to (or greater than) the requestedpurchase amount. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13A, as part ofoperation block 1306, the DPC 146 determines that the buy amountincluded in the received DSC BUY REQUEST message is greater than orequal to the requested purchase amount.

In operation 1308, the DPC 146 may generate and send a DSC BUY ACCEPTmessage to the DSC 144 to inform the lessee DSC 144 that it hassuccessfully purchased/leased the resource for use. In variousembodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the DSC BUY ACCEPT message toinclude any or all of a message type information element (IE), a messageID IE, and a bid ID IE. In operation block 1310, the DPC 146 mayterminate, stop, or close an active auction for that resource and/orperform similar operations so that the resource is no longer availablefor bidding or buying by other lessee DSCs.

With reference to FIG. 13B, in operation block 1312, the DPC 146 may usethe information included in the received DSC BUY REQUEST message (e.g.,as part of operation 1304) to determine that the bid (buy request) is tobe rejected. For example, the DPC 146 may determine that the buy amountspecific in buy amount IE in the received DSC BUY REQUEST message isless than the requested purchase amount. As another example, the DPC 146may determine that the bid ID value included in the bid ID IE isinvalid, or that the resource/bid is no longer available for bidding(due to expiry, end of auction, bid withdrawn, invalid bid ID, etc.).

In operation 1314, the DPC 146 may generate and send a DSC BUY REJECTmessage to the DSC 144. In various embodiments, the DPC 146 may generatethe DSC BUY REJECT message to include any or all of a message typeinformation element (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE and a cause IE.The value of the bid ID IE may be the same as the bid identifierincluded in the DSC BUY REQUEST message received as part of operation1304. The cause IE may include a reason code for the rejection of thebuy request (e.g., requested purchase price not met, bid not found,etc.). In operation block 1316, the DSC 1316 may perform variousfailure-response operations, such as determining whether to submit a newpurchase request with a higher bid amount. In operation block 1318, theDPC 146 perform various operations so to make that resource availablefor bidding or buying by other lessee DSCs.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a DSAAP resource allocation method 1400 ofallocating resources in a lessor network for access and use bycomponents in a lessee network. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 14Aand 14B, the DSAAP resource allocation method 1400 is performed byprocessing cores in a DPC 146 component, a lessee DSC 144 a component,and a lessor DSC 144 b component, each of which may include all orportions of a DSAAP module/component.

In operation block 1402 illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the DPC 146may determine that the lessee DSC 144 a has successfully purchased orwon an auction for a resource in a lessor network represented by thelessor DSC 144 b. In operation 1404 illustrated in FIG. 14A, the DPC 146may generate and send a DSC BID SUCCESS message to the lessor DSC 144 bto inform the lessor network that one or more of its allocatedresources/bids has been won by the lessee DSC 144 a.

In various embodiments, the DPC 146 may generate the DSC BID SUCCESSmessage to include any or all of a message type information element(IE), a message ID IE, a cause IE, and a criticality diagnostics IE. Ina further embodiment, the DPC 146 may be configured to generate the DSCBID SUCCESS message to also include any or all of a bid ID IE, a DSC IDIE, and a bid value IE. These additional information elements may beused to communicate information regarding the winning bid. For example,the bid ID IE may include a bid ID that corresponds to the bid thatsuccessfully participated in and won the auction for the resources. TheDSC ID IE may include the DSC ID of the auction winner (i.e., the lesseeDSC 144 a). The bid value IE may include the winning bid amount and/orthe purchase price of the resources.

In operation 1404, the lessor DSC 144 b may generate and send DSCRESOURCES ALLOCATED message to the DPC 146 to allocate/commit theresources for access and use by components in the lessee network. Thelessor DSC 144 b may be configured to generate DSC RESOURCES ALLOCATEDmessage to include any or all of a message type information element(IE), a message ID IE, a bid iD, a PLMN-ID Grid ID Cell ID list IE, aPLMN ID IE, a grid ID IE, list of cell IDs IE, and variousauction/resource details (e.g., bandwidth, MBPS, duration, etc.). In anembodiment, the PLMN ID IE, a grid ID IE, and list of cell IDs IE may beincluded in the PLMN-ID Grid ID Cell ID list IE. The PLMN ID IE mayinclude the PLMN ID of the lessor network allocating the resources,which may be the same PLMN ID/network identified in the winning bid. Thegrid ID IE and list of cell IDs IE may include information suitable foridentifying the grid/cells associated with the resources. These valuesmay be the same as the grid/cell values included in the winning bid.

In operation 1406, the DPC 146 may forward the received DSC RESOURCESALLOCATED message to the winning lessee DSC 144 a to enable the lesseeDSC 144 a to start using the allocated resources of lessor networkresources. In operation block 1408, the lessee DSC 144 a may scheduleits network equipment to start using lessor network resources from thetime of day specified as part of the bid and/or included in the receivedDSC RESOURCES ALLOCATED message.

With reference to FIG. 14B, in operation block 1410, the lessor DSC 144b may determine that the resources submitted for auction should bewithdrawn and/or to forego allocating the submitted resources to awinner of the auction. The lessor DSC 144 b may determine to withdrawthe resources after the DPC 146 determines that lessee network purchasedor won an auction for those resources and/or for any of a variety ofreasons (e.g., unforeseen or administrative reasons, etc.).

In operation 1412, the lessor DSC 144 b may generate and send a DSCRESOURCES WITHDRAWN message to the DPC 146 to withdraw the resources.The lessor DSC 144 b may generate the DSC RESOURCES WITHDRAWN message toinclude any or all of a message type information element (IE), a messageID IE, a bid ID IE, a cause IE, and a PLMN-ID Grid ID Cell ID list IE.The bid ID IE may include information that is suitable for use inidentifying the bid. The cause IE may include a reason code thatdescribes the reason for withdrawal of resource allocations (e.g.,resources not available, resources withdrawn, administrative, etc.).

In operation 1414, the DPC 146 may forward the received DSC RESOURCESWITHDRAWN message to the lessee DSC 144 a, which may have submitted awinning bid for the withdrawn resources. In operation block 1416, thelessee DSC 144 a may perform various failure-response operations, suchas determining whether to participate in another auction, whether to bidon a different resource, determining whether to drop calls to free upresources, etc.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an embodiment DSAAP backoff method 1500 ofselectively handing over a wireless device from a lessor network back tothe lessee's network to which the wireless device subscribes (i.e. itshome PLMN). In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the DSAAPbackoff method 1500 is performed by processing cores in a DPC 146component, a lessee DSC 144 a component, and a lessor DSC 144 bcomponent, each of which may include all or portions of a DSAAPmodule/component.

In operation block 1502 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the lessor DSC144 b may determine that its network resources from the cells that arepart of a prior auction are in congestion. That is, the lessor DSC 144 bmay determine that it requires access or use of its allocated resources.In operation 1504, the lessor DSC 144 b may generate and send a DSCBACKOFF COMMAND message to the DPC 146 to selectively handover wirelessdevice(s) that are using the allocated resources of the lessor networkback to the lessee network (i.e. its home PLMN).

The lessor DSC 144 b may be configured to generate the DSC BACKOFFCOMMAND message to include any or all of a message type informationelement (IE), a message ID IE, a bid ID IE, a UE identity IE, ameasurement report IE, handoff cell information IE, a cause IE, and aDSC backoff response timer IE.

The UE identity IE may include information suitable for use indetermining identity related information for the wireless device (orUE), such as the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) of thewireless device or its network.

The measurement report IE may include the latest, last, or most recentmeasurement report E-UTRAN RRC message received by the lessor networkfor the identified wireless device (i.e., the wireless devices that arerequested to backoff to lessee network).

The bid ID IE may include a bid ID value corresponding to the bid thatsuccessfully participated in and completed/won the auction. The bid IDmay be used to identify the auction/contract associated with the backoffoperations (i.e., the auction/contract for which the resources wereallocated).

In an embodiment, the lessor DSC 144 b may be configured to determinewhether there are multiple bid IDs that correspond to a congested cell.In an embodiment, the lessor DSC 144 b may be configured to select thebid ID value from a plurality of bid IDs in response to determining thatthere are multiple bid IDs that correspond to a congested cell. Invarious embodiments, the lessor DSC 144 b may be configured to selectthe bid ID value based on an operator policy provisioned at the lessorDSC 144 b, based on a previous agreement, based on a policy/rulepreviously negotiated by lessor and lessee network operators, etc.

In operation 1506, the DPC 146 may forward the received DSC BACKOFFCOMMAND message to the lessee DSC 144 a. In operation block 1508, thelessee DSC 144 a may use the information in the UE identity IE of thereceived DSC BACKOFF COMMAND message identify wireless device(s) thatare to be subjected to the backoff operations (i.e., the wirelessdevices that are to be handed back).

In operation block 1510, the lessee DSC 144 a may use the informationincluded in the measurement report IE of the received DSC BACKOFFCOMMAND message to determine, identify, and/or select a target cell(within lessee network) to which the identified wireless device(s) areto be handed over (the lessor network may have previously enabledmeasurement reporting from the wireless devices, such as when theyattached, or were handed over, to the lessor network.)

In operation 1512, the lessee DSC 144 a may generate and send a DSCBACKOFF RESPONSE message to the DPC 146. The lessee DSC 144 a may beconfigured to generate the DSC BACKOFF RESPONSE message to include anyor all of a message type information element (IE), a message ID IE, abid ID IE, a UE identity IE, a handoff cell information IE, and a causeIE. In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 a may be configured to generatethe DSC BACKOFF RESPONSE message to include the cause IE (or a value forthe cause IE) in response to determining that a suitable target cell(within lessee network) could not be identified or selected for thehanded over. The value of the cause IE may identify a cause of thefailure, such as network overload, no appropriate target cell found, orunknown wireless device/UE. In an embodiment, the lessee DSC 144 a maybe configured to generate the DSC BACKOFF RESPONSE message to include avalue (e.g., target cell information) for the handoff cell informationIE in response to successfully identifying a target cell (within lesseenetwork) to which the wireless device may be handed over.

In operation 1514, the DPC 146 may identify the lessor DSC 144 a basedon the bid id IE included in the received DSC BACKOFF RESPONSE message,and forward the received DSC BACKOFF RESPONSE message to the lessor DSC144 b. In operation block 1516, the lessor DSC 144 b may determinewhether the received DSC BACKOFF RESPONSE message includes a handoffcell information IE (or a valid value for the handoff cell informationIE). In response to determining that the received DSC BACKOFF RESPONSEmessage includes a handoff cell information IE (or a valid value for thehandoff cell information IE), in operation block 1518, the lessor DSC144 b may use the target cell information included in the handoff cellinformation IE to encode a HANDOVER REQUIRED message. In operation block1520, the lessor DSC 144 b may and initiate 51 based handover procedureto handover the wireless device from lessor network to lessee network.

With reference to FIG. 15B, in operation block 1552, the lessor DSC 144b may determine that the DPC 146 has not responded to the DSC BACKOFFCOMMAND message (sent as part of operation 1504) within a time periodidentified in the DSC backoff response timer IE included in the DSCBACKOFF COMMAND message. Alternatively or additionally, in operationblock 1554, the lessor DSC 144 b may determine that there is significantor severe network congestion or administrative reasons that requirewithdraw of the allocation of all remaining network resources pertainingto the resources/bid id included or identified in the DSC BACKOFFCOMMAND message.

In operation 1556, the lessor DSC 144 b may generate and send a DSCRESOURCES WITHDRAWN message to the DPC 146. In operation 1558, the DPC146 may forward the received DSC RESOURCES WITHDRAWN message to thelessee DSC 144 a to withdraw the allocation of the remaining networkresources. In operation block 1560, the lessee DSC 144 a may performvarious resource withdrawn failure-response operations, such as droppingcalls, determining whether to bid for new resources, etc.

FIG. 16A illustrates an embodiment DSC initiated DSAAP de-registrationmethod 1600 for terminating operations. In the example illustrated inFIG. 16A, the DSC initiated DSAAP de-registration method 1600 isperformed by processing cores in a DPC 146 component and a DSC 144component, each of which may include all or portions of a DSAAPmodule/component.

In operation block 1602, the DSC 144 may determine that it needs toterminate DSA operations. In operation 1604, the DSC 144 may generateand send a DSC DE-REGISTER message to the DPC 146. The DSC 144 may beconfigured to generate the DSC DE-REGISTER message to include any or allof a message type information element (IE), a message ID IE, a backofftimer IE, and a cause IE that identifies a cause for the termination ofoperations. In operation block 1606, the DPC 146 may clear all therelated resources associated with the DSC 144 and/or perform othersimilar operations to de-register the DSC 144 in response to receivingthe DSC DE-REGISTER message.

FIG. 16B illustrates an embodiment DPC initiated DSAAP de-registrationmethod 1650 for terminating operations. In the example illustrated inFIG. 16B, the DPC initiated DSAAP de-registration method 1650 isperformed by processing cores in a DPC 146 component and a DSC 144component, each of which may include all or portions of a DSAAPmodule/component.

In operation block 1652, the DPC 146 may determine that it needs toterminate DSA operations with the DSC 144. In operation 1654, the DPC146 may generate and send a DSC DE-REGISTER message to the DSC 144. TheDPC 146 may be configured to generate the DSC DE-REGISTER message toinclude any or all of a message type information element (IE), a messageID IE, a backoff timer IE, and a cause IE that identifies a cause forthe termination of operations (e.g., overload, unspecified, etc.). Inoperation block 1656, the DPC 146 may clear all the related resourcesassociated with the DSC 144 and/or perform other similar operations tode-register the DSC 144.

In operation block 1658, the DSC 144 may perform various de-registrationfailure response operations based on the information included in thereceived DSC DE-REGISTER message. For example, the DSC 144 may beconfigured to not retry registration to the same DPC 146 for at leastthe duration indicated in the backoff timer IE included in the receivedDSC DE-REGISTER message when the value of the cause IE in the DSCDE-REGISTER message is set to “overload.”

FIG. 17A illustrates a DSC initiated DSAAP error indication method 1700for reporting errors in accordance with an embodiment. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 17A, method 1700 is performed by processing cores ina DPC 146 component and a DSC 144 component, each of which may includeall or portions of a DSAAP module/component.

In operation block 1702, the DSC 144 may detect an error or errorcondition (e.g., a protocol error, etc.). In operation 1704, the DSC 144may generate and send an ERROR INDICATION message to the DPC 146. TheDSC 144 may be configured to generate the ERROR INDICATION message toinclude any or all of a message type information element (IE), a messageID IE, cause IE, and a criticality diagnostics IE. The cause IE mayinclude information suitable for use in identifying a cause or type ofthe error (e.g., transfer syntax error, abstract syntax error, logicalerror, etc.). The criticality diagnostics IE may include a procedurecode IE, a triggering message IE, and a procedure criticality IE. Inoperation block 1706, the DSC 144 and/or DPC 146 may perform variouserror-response operations based on the detected error or informationincluded in the received ERROR INDICATION message. The error detectionand response operations are discussed in detail further below.

FIG. 17B illustrates an embodiment DPC initiated DSAAP error indicationmethod 1750 for reporting errors in accordance with another embodiment.In the example illustrated in FIG. 17B, method 1750 is performed byprocessing cores in a DPC 146 component and a DSC 144 component, each ofwhich may include all or portions of a DSAAP module/component.

In operation block 1752, the DPC 146 may detect an error condition. Inoperation 1754, the DPC 146 may generate and send an ERROR INDICATIONmessage to the DSC 144. The DPC 146 may be configured to generate theERROR INDICATION message to include a cause information element (IE)that identifies a cause for the error. In operation block 1756, the DSC144 and/or DPC 146 may perform various error-response operations basedon the information included in the received ERROR INDICATION message.

As mentioned above, the DSC 144 and DPC 146 may be configured performvarious error-response or failure response operations in response todetecting an error or failure condition. As part of these operations,the DSC 144 and/or DPC 146 may identify the type or cause of theerror/failure condition, and tailor their responses based on theidentified type or cause. For example, the DSC 144 and/or DPC 146 may beconfigured to determine whether a detected error is a protocol error,and tailor their responses accordingly.

Protocol errors include transfer syntax errors, abstract syntax errors,and logical errors. A transfer syntax error may occur when the receivingfunctional DSAAP entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) is not able to decode thereceived physical message. For example, transfer syntax errors may bedetected while decoding ASN.1 information in a received message. In anembodiment, the DSC 144 and DPC 146 components may be configured toretransmit or re-request a DSAAP message in response to determining thata detected error is a transfer syntax error (e.g., as part of theerror-response operations).

An abstract syntax error may occur when the receiving functional DSAAPentity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) receives information elements (IEs) or IEgroups that cannot be comprehended or understood (i.e., an unknown IEid). An abstract syntax error may also occur when the entity receives aninformation element (IE) for which a logical range (e.g., allowed numberof copies) is violated. The DSC 144 and DPC 146 components may beconfigured to detect or identify these types of abstract syntax errors(i.e., cannot comprehend abstract syntax error), and in response,perform error-response operations based on criticality informationincluded in the corresponding DSAAP message. Additional detailsregarding these operations and the criticality information are providedfurther below.

An abstract syntax error may also occur when the receiving functionalDSAAP entity does not receive IEs or IE groups, but according to thespecified presence of the object, the IEs or IE groups should have beenpresent in the received message. The DSC 144 and DPC 146 components maybe configured to detect or identify these particular types of abstractsyntax errors (i.e., missing IE or IE group), and in response, performerror-response operations based on criticality information and presenceinformation for the missing IE/IE group. Additional details regardingthese operations, criticality information, and presence information areprovided further below.

An abstract syntax error may also occur when the receiving entityreceives IEs or IE groups that are defined to be part of that message inwrong order or with too many occurrences of the same IE or IE group. Inaddition, an abstract syntax error may also occur when the receivingentity receives IEs or IE groups, but according to the conditionalpresence of the concerning object and the specified condition, the IEsor IE groups should not have been present in the received message. TheDSC 144 and DPC 146 components may be configured to detect or identifysuch abstract syntax errors (i.e., wrong order, too many occurrences,erroneously present, etc.), and in response, reject or terminate aprocedure or method associated with the error (e.g., the method thatcaused the error). The DSC 144 and DPC 146 components may reject orterminate the procedure/method as part of the error-response operations.

In the various embodiments, the DSC 144 and DPC 146 components may beconfigured to continue to decode, read, or process a DSAAP message afterdetecting, identifying, or determining that an abstract syntax erroroccurred for that message. For example, the DSC 144 and DPC 146components may skip a portion of the message that includes an error, andcontinue processing the other portions of the message. As part of thiscontinued processing, the DSC 144 and DPC 146 components may detect oridentify additional abstract syntax errors.

In an embodiment, the DSC 144 and DPC 146 components may be configuredto perform error-response operations for each detected abstract syntaxerror and/or based on the criticality information and presenceinformation for the IE/IE group associated with the abstract syntaxerror.

As mentioned above, each DSAAP message may include, or may be associatedwith, criticality information, presence information, range information,and assigned criticality information. In the various embodiments, areceiving functional DSAAP entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to use any or all of such information (e.g., criticalityinformation, presence information, etc.) when detecting an error,identifying the type of the error, or the specific error-response thatare to be performed. That is, the entity may perform differentoperations depending on the values of the criticality information,presence information, range information, and/or assigned criticalityinformation.

In an embodiment, the receiving functional DSAAP entity (e.g., DSC, DPC,etc.) may be configured to use the presence information included in aDSAAP message when identifying the type of error and the specificerror-response operations that are to be performed for the identifiederror type. For example, the entity may use the presence information todetermine whether the presence of an information element (IE) isoptional, conditional, or mandatory (e.g., with respect to RNSapplication) for that message or communication. The entity may determinethat an abstract syntax error has occurred when a received message ismissing one or more information elements that are determined to bemandatory (or conditional when the condition is true).

In an embodiment, the receiving functional DSAAP entity (e.g., DSC, DPC,etc.) may be configured use the criticality information when identifyingthe specific error-response operations that are to be performed. Thatis, each DSAAP message may include criticality information for eachindividual information element (IE) or IE group included in thatmessage. The values of criticality information for each IE or IE groupmay include “Reject IE,” “Ignore IE and Notify Sender,” and “Ignore IE.”The receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may use this criticalityinformation to determine that an IE, an IE group, or an EP isincomprehensible, identify the condition as an abstract syntax error(i.e., a cannot comprehend abstract syntax error), and/or to identifythe error-response operations that are to be performed (e.g., reject,ignore, notify, etc.).

In an embodiment, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to reject a method/procedure and initiate a DSAAP errorindication method (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 17A-B) inresponse to determining that an information element (IE) included in amessage received during the performance of that method/procedure isincomprehensible, and that value of the criticality information for thatIE is set to “Reject IE.”

For example, when a message that initiates a method/procedure (e.g., aDSC REGISTER REQUEST message, etc.) is received, determined to includeone or more IEs/IE groups that are incomprehensible and marked as“Reject IE,” the receiving entity may the reject the method/procedure bynot executing any of the functional requests included in that message.The receiving entity may also report the rejection of one or more IEs/IEgroups using the message normally used to report unsuccessful outcome ofthe procedure. When the information in the received initiating messageis insufficient and cannot be used to determine a value for all IEs thatare required to be present in the message used to report theunsuccessful outcome of the procedure, the receiving entity mayterminate the procedure and initiate a DSAAP error indicationmethod/procedure.

As a further example, when a message initiating a method/procedure thatdoes not have a message to report unsuccessful outcome is received, andthat message includes one or more IEs/IE groups marked with “Reject IE”which the receiving entity does not comprehend, the receiving entity mayterminate the method/procedure and initiate a DSAAP error indicationmethod/procedure.

As yet another example, when a response message (e.g., a DSC REGISTERRESPONSE message, etc.) is received that includes one or more IEs markedwith “Reject IE” which the receiving entity does not comprehend, thereceiving entity may consider the method/procedure as beingunsuccessfully terminated, and initiate a local error handling method.

In an embodiment, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to ignore or skip a method/procedure and initiate an DSAAPerror indication method (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 17A-B)in response to determining that an information element (IE) included ina message received during the performance of that method/procedure isincomprehensible, and that value of the criticality information for thatIE is set to “Ignore IE and Notify Sender.”

As an example, when a message initiating a method/procedure is receivedcontaining one or more IEs/IE groups marked with “Ignore IE and NotifySender” which the receiving entity does not comprehend, the receivingentity may ignore the content of the incomprehensible IEs/IE groups,continue with the method/procedure as if the incomprehensible IEs/IEgroups were not received (except for the reporting) using thecomprehended IEs/IE groups, and report in the response message of themethod/procedure that one or more IEs/IE groups have been ignored. Whenthe information received in the initiating message is insufficient todetermine a value for all IEs that are required to be present in theresponse message, the receiving entity may terminate themethod/procedure and initiate a DSAAP error indication method/procedure.

As a further example, when a message initiating a method/procedure thatdoes not have a message to report the outcome of the method/procedure isreceived containing one or more IEs/IE groups marked with “Ignore IE andNotify Sender” which the receiving entity does not comprehend, thereceiving entity may ignore the content of the not comprehended IEs/IEgroups, continue with the method/procedure as if the not comprehendedIEs/IE groups were not received (except for the reporting) using theunderstood IEs/IE groups, and initiate a DSAAP error indicationmethod/procedure to report that one or more IEs/IE groups have beenignored.

As yet another example, when a response message is received containingone or more IEs/IE groups marked with “Ignore IE and Notify Sender”which the receiving entity does not comprehend, the receiving entity mayignore the content of the not comprehended IE/IE groups, continue withthe method/procedure as if the not comprehended IEs/IE groups were notreceived (except for the reporting) using the understood IEs/IE groupsand initiate a DSAAP error indication method/procedure.

In an embodiment, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to ignore or skip a method/procedure in response todetermining that an information element (IE) included in a messagereceived during the performance of that method/procedure isincomprehensible, and that value of the criticality information for thatIE is set to “Ignore IE.”

As an example, when a message initiating a method/procedure is receivedcontaining one or more IEs/IE groups marked with “Ignore IE” which thereceiving entity does not comprehend, the receiving entity may ignorethe content of the not comprehended IEs/IE groups and continue with themethod/procedure as if the not comprehended IEs/IE groups were notreceived using only the understood IEs/IE groups.

As a further example, when a response message is received that includesone or more IEs/IE groups marked with “Ignore IE” which the receivingentity does not comprehend, the receiving entity may ignore the contentof the not comprehended IEs/IE groups and continue with themethod/procedure as if the not comprehended IEs/IE groups were notreceived using the understood IEs/IE groups.

When reporting not comprehended IEs/IE groups marked with “Reject IE” or“Ignore IE and Notify Sender” using a response message defined for themethod/procedure, the Information Element Criticality Diagnostics IE maybe included in the Criticality Diagnostics IE for each reported IE/IEgroup.

In an embodiment, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to initiate a DSAAP error indication method (discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 17A-B) in response to determining that it cannotdecode a type of message IE in a received message. In an embodiment, theentity may be configured to only consider the IEs specified in thespecification version used by the component when determining the correctorder for the IE included in a message.

In an embodiment, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to treat the missing IE/IE group according to the criticalityinformation for the missing IE/IE group in the received messagespecified in the version of the present document used by the receiver.

As an example, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to not execute any of the functional requests of a receivedinitiating message in response to determining that the received messageis missing one or more IEs/IE groups with specified criticality “RejectIE.” The receiving entity may reject the method/procedure and report themissing IEs/IE groups using the message normally used to reportunsuccessful outcome of the method/procedure. When it is determined thatthe information received in the initiating message was insufficient todetermine a value for all IEs that are required to be present in themessage used to report the unsuccessful outcome of the method/procedure,the receiving entity may terminate the method/procedure and initiate aDSAAP error indication method/procedure.

As a further example, when a received message initiating amethod/procedure that does not have a message to report unsuccessfuloutcome is missing one or more IEs/IE groups with specified criticality“Reject IE”, the receiving entity may terminate the method/procedure andinitiate a DSAAP error indication method/procedure.

As yet another example, when a received response message is missing oneor more IEs/IE groups with specified criticality “Reject IE”, thereceiving entity may consider the method/procedure as unsuccessfullyterminated and initiate a local error handling method/procedure.

As another example, when a received message initiating amethod/procedure is missing one or more IEs/IE groups with specifiedcriticality “Ignore IE and Notify Sender”, the receiving entity mayignore that those IEs are missing and continue with the method/procedurebased on the other IEs/IE groups present in the message and report inthe response message of the method/procedure that one or more IEs/IEgroups were missing. When the information received in the initiatingmessage is insufficient to determine a value for all IEs that arerequired to be present in the response message, the receiving entity mayterminate the method/procedure and initiate a DSAAP error indicationmethod/procedure.

As another example, when a received message initiating amethod/procedure that does not have a message to report the outcome ofthe method/procedure is missing one or more IEs/IE groups with specifiedcriticality “Ignore IE and Notify Sender”, the receiving entity mayignore that those IEs are missing and continue with the method/procedurebased on the other IEs/IE groups present in the message and initiate aDSAAP error indication method/procedure to report that one or moreIEs/IE groups were missing.

As another example, when a received message a received response messageis missing one or more IEs/IE groups with specified criticality “IgnoreIE and Notify Sender”, the receiving entity may ignore that those IEsare missing and continue with the method/procedure based on the otherIEs/IE groups present in the message and initiate a DSAAP errorindication method/procedure to report that one or more IEs/IE groupswere missing.

As another example, when a received message initiating amethod/procedure is missing one or more IEs/IE groups with specifiedcriticality “Ignore IE”, the receiving entity may ignore that those IEsare missing and continue with the method/procedure based on the otherIEs/IE groups present in the message.

As another example, when a received response message is missing one ormore IEs/IE groups with specified criticality “Ignore IE”, the receivingentity may ignore that those IEs/IE groups are missing and continue withthe method/procedure based on the other IEs/IE groups present in themessage.

The receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may be configured to respondto messages that include IEs or IE groups that received in wrong order,include too many occurrences, or are erroneously present (i.e., areincluded and marked as “conditional” when the condition is not met) invarious ways. For example, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.)may be configured to not execute any of the functional requests of areceived initiating message in response to determining that the receivedmessage includes IEs or IE groups in wrong order, includes too manyoccurrences of an IE, or includes erroneously present IEs. The receivingentity may reject the method/procedure and report the cause value“Abstract Syntax Error (Falsely Constructed Message)” using the messagenormally used to report unsuccessful outcome of the method/procedure.When the information received in the initiating message is insufficientto determine a value for all IEs that are required to be present in themessage used to report the unsuccessful outcome of the method/procedure,the receiving entity may terminate the method/procedure and initiate aDSAAP error indication method/procedure.

As another example, when a message initiating a method/procedure thatdoes not have a message to report unsuccessful outcome is receivedcontaining IEs or IE groups in wrong order or with too many occurrencesor erroneously present, the receiving entity may terminate themethod/procedure, and initiate a DSAAP error indication method/procedureusing the cause value “Abstract Syntax Error (Falsely ConstructedMessage)”.

As another example, when a response message is received containing IEsor IE groups in wrong order or with too many occurrences or erroneouslypresent, the receiving entity may consider the method/procedure asunsuccessfully terminated and initiate local error handling.

As mentioned above, protocol errors include transfer syntax errors,abstract syntax errors, and logical errors. A logical error occurs whena message is comprehended correctly, but the information containedwithin the message is not valid (i.e. semantic error), or describes amethod/procedure which is not compatible with the state of the receivingentity.

In an embodiment, a receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.) may beconfigured to perform error response operations based on the class ofthe method/procedure and irrespective of the criticality information ofthe IE's/IE groups containing the erroneous values in response todetermining/detecting an logical error.

For example, when a logical error is detected in a request message of aclass 1 method/procedure, and the method/procedure has a message toreport this unsuccessful outcome, this message may be sent with anappropriate cause value (i.e., in the clause IE), such as “semanticerror” or “message not compatible with receiver state.” When a logicalerror is detected in a request message of a class 1 method/procedure,and the method/procedure does not have a message to report thisunsuccessful outcome, the method/procedure may be terminated and a DSAAPerror indication method/procedure may be initiated with an appropriatecause value. Where the logical error exists in a response message of aclass 1 procedure, the procedure may be considered as unsuccessfullyterminated and local error handling may be initiated.

When a logical error is detected in a message of a class 2 procedure,the procedure may be terminated and a DSAAP error indication proceduremay be initiated with an appropriate cause value.

In the various embodiments, the receiving entity (e.g., DSC, DPC, etc.)may be configured to perform a local error handling method/procedure (asopposed to a DSAAP error indication method/procedure) when a protocolerror is detected in the ERROR INDICATION message. In case a responsemessage or error indication message needs to be returned, but theinformation necessary to determine the receiver of that message ismissing, the procedure may be considered as unsuccessfully terminatedand local error handling may be initiated. When an error that terminatesa procedure occurs, the returned cause value may reflect the error thatcaused the termination of the procedure even if one or more abstractsyntax errors with criticality “ignore and notify” have earlier occurredwithin the same procedure.

In an embodiment, a DPC 146 component may be configured toallocate/lease out resources, monitor the usage of the leased resources,and automatically charge accounts for usage of leased resources. In anembodiment, this may be accomplished by generating/installingbid-specific closed subscriber group identifier based (i.e., CSG-IDbased) charging rules in a PCRF 134 component.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate example DSA resource allocation methods1800, 1850 for generating/installing CSG-ID based charging rules inaccordance with various embodiments. The methods 1800, 1850 may beperformed by processing cores in a lessee DSC 144 a, a DPC 146, a lessorDSC 144 b, a PCRF 134 and/or a PCEF 128. In the examples illustrated inFIGS. 18A and 18B, a PCRF 134, and/or a PCEF 128 component is includedin the lessor network and lessee network, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 18A, in operation 1802, the DPC 146 may send abuy accept message (e.g., DSC BUY ACCEPT) or a bid won message (e.g.,DSC BID WON) to the lessee DSC 144 a to indicate that the lessee networksuccessfully purchased a resource or won an auction for the resource. Inoperation 1804, the DPC 146 may generate and send a buy success messageor a bid success (e.g., DSC BID SUCCESS) message to the lessor DSC 144 bto inform the lessor network that one or more of its allocatedresources/bids have been purchased or won by the lessee DSC 144 a. TheDPC 146 may be configured to generate the buy/bid success messages toinclude information suitable for identifying the lessee DSC 144 a, suchas a PLMN ID of the network that includes the DSC 144 a. The winninglessee DSC 144 may wait to receive a “resources allocated” message(e.g., DSC RESOURCES ALLOCATED) from the DPC 146 before scheduling itsnetwork equipment (e.g., wireless devices) to start using the resourcesand/or for the resources to be made available for use.

In operation block 1806, the lessor DSC 144 b may generate a bidspecific closed subscriber group (CSG) identifier (CSG-ID) for mobilitymanagement of lessee wireless devices in the lessor network. The lessorDSC 144 b may generate the CSG-ID so that they may be used as a filterfor charging and/or so that it may be use to select all wireless devicespertaining to the bid/resource. In operation 1808, the lessor DSC 144 bmay send the CSG-ID to the PCRF 134 to install CSG-ID-based chargingrules in the PCRF 134.

In operation block 1810, the PCRF 134 may receive the CSG-ID and relatedinformation from the lessor DSC 144 b, and use this information togenerate CSG-ID-based charging rules. In operation 1812, the PCRF 134may send the CSG-ID-based charging rules to the PCEF 128 forenforcement. In operation block 1818, the PCEF 128 component may beginenforcing the CSG-ID-based charging rules.

In operation 1814, the lessor DSC 144 b may generate and send a“resources allocated” message (e.g., DSC RESOURCES ALLOCATED) to the DPC146 to allocate/commit the resources for access and use by components inthe lessee network. The lessor DSC 144 b may be configured to generatethe “resources allocated” message to include any or all of a bid ID, aPLMN-ID Grid ID Cell ID list, a PLMN ID, a grid ID, list of cell IDs,and various auction/resource details (e.g., bandwidth, MBPS, duration,etc.). In operation 1816, the DPC 146 may send the “resources allocated”message to the lessee DSC 144 a. In operation block 1818, the PCEF 128component may begin enforcing the CSG-ID-based charging rules.

FIG. 18B illustrates an embodiment DSA method 1850 for allocatingresources in a system in which the PCRF 134 is included in the lesseenetwork. Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 18B, thelessee DSC 144 a, DPC 146, and lessor DSC 144 b perform operations 1802,1804, 1806, 1814, 1816, discussed above. In operation 1852, the lesseeDSC 144 a may send the CSG-ID to the PCRF 134 to install CSG-ID-basedcharging rules in the PCRF 134. In operation block 1854, the PCRF 134may generate CSG-ID-based charging rules based on the information itreceives from the lessee DSC 144 a. In operation 1856, the PCRF 134 maysend the CSG-ID-based charging rules to the PCEF 128 for enforcement. Inoperation block 1858, the PCEF 128 component may begin enforcing theCSG-ID-based charging rules.

In an embodiment, the DSA components (e.g., DPC 146, DSC 144, etc.) maybe configured to perform mobility management operations to better manageand coordinate the handling (e.g., handoffs, hand-ins, backoff, etc.) ofwireless devices 102 as these devices are moved with respect to theavailable resources, such as resources of their home network, resourcesallocated by another network, and collocated resources. Performingmobility management operations may include the DSC 144 and/or DPC 146components communicating with a wireless device 102, eNode 112 MME 130,and/or HSS 132 to determine the locations of wireless devices 102.

FIGS. 19A through 19D illustrate various methods for monitoring thelocations of wireless devices 102 in accordance with variousembodiments. The methods illustrated in FIGS. 19A through 19D may beperformed by processing cores in a wireless device 102, eNodeB 116, MME1130, HSS 132, and/or a DSC 144.

FIG. 19A illustrates a method 1900 of adding or updating the locationinformation of a wireless device 102 when it attaches to an eNodeB 116.In operation 1902 the eNodeB 116 may send an “attach complete” messageto the MME 130 to indicate that a new wireless device 102 has initiatedan attach procedure and/or has successfully attached to the eNodeB 116.In operation 1904, the MME 130 may send a request to add or modifywireless device information to the DSC 144. In operation block 1906, theDSC 144 may receive the request message and use the information includedin the received request message to add or update the locationinformation and/or database records of the wireless device 102. The DSC144 may then use this location information to better allocate or use itstelecommunication resources (e.g., by better selecting a target eNodeBfor handovers, etc.).

FIG. 19B illustrates a method 1920 of updating/deleting locationinformation for a wireless device 102 in response to a device or eNodeBinitiated detach procedure. In operation 1922, a wireless device 102 maysend a detach request message to the MME 130, either directly or via aneNodeB 116. In another embodiment, an eNodeB 116 may be configured tosend the detach request message to the MME 130 in response todetermining that the wireless device 102 has initiated a detachprocedure, has been dropped, has been terminated, or is otherwise nolonger attached to that eNodeB 116. In operation 1924, the MME 130 maysend a request to delete wireless device information to the DSC 144. Inoperation block 1926, the DSC 144 may use the information included inthe received request message to update/remove a location record for thewireless device 102. For example, the DSC 144 may delete a locationrecord associated with the wireless device 102 to indicate that thewireless device 102 is no longer using network resources (e.g., theeNodeB 116).

FIG. 19C illustrates a method 1940 of updating/deleting locationinformation for a wireless device 102 in response to detecting aMME-initiated detach procedure. In operation 1942, the MME 130 may senda detach request message to a wireless device 102, either directly orvia an eNodeB 116, to commence an MME-initiated detach procedure. Inoperation 1944, the MME 130 may send a request to delete wireless deviceinformation to the DSC 144. In operation block 1946, the DSC 144 mayreceive and use the request message (or information included in thereceived request message) to update/remove a location record for thewireless device 102.

FIG. 19D illustrates a method of updating/deleting location informationfor a wireless device 102 in response to detecting a HSS-initiateddetach procedure. In operation 1962 of method 1960, a HSS 132 may send a“cancel location” message to MME 130 to commence the HSS-initiateddetach procedure. In operation 1964, the MME 130 may send a request todelete wireless device information to the DSC 144. In operation block1966, the DSC 144 may receive the request message and use theinformation included in the received request message to update or removea location record for the wireless device 102.

The methods 1900, 1920, 1940, 1960 discussed above may be used to keepthe DSC 144 informed of the locations of the wireless device 102 so thatit can make better and more informed DSA decisions. That is, thesemethods allow the DSC 144 to store up-to-date information (e.g.,location or database records) for the wireless devices. The DSC 144 mayuse this information to identify candidate devices for handin andbackoff operations (e.g., due to mobility of the devices).

As a further example, the DSC 144 may designate a lessee wireless device102 that is determined to be moving towards a lessor's grid boundary(where a bid is active for the lessee) as candidate for a handinprocedure. Similarly, a DSC 144 may designate a lessee wireless device102 that has moved out of the grid boundary as a candidate for backoff(from the view of lessor DSC).

In addition, the DPC 146 and/or DSC 144 components may be configured toperform various special functions to further support the mobility oflessee wireless devices as they are moved between the lessee and lessornetworks. These special functions may include identifying a resourcegrid, determining a buffer zone for the grid, finding geographicalboundaries or boundaries during wireless device mobility, performinginter-network handovers for connected wireless devices, monitoring awireless device's vicinity, determining whether a wireless device is anidle, determining congestion state changes, etc. These special functionsmay further include handling coverage gaps due to cell outages orblacklisting during a handin, a handoff, or backoff procedure. Inaddition, these special functions may include identifying operatorpolicies, determining blacklists and dynamic changes via a grid map, andpre-planning a handin, a handoff, or a backoff procedure. The specialfunction may further include performing mobility-based,congestion-based, bid-based, or expiry-based backoff operations.

In an embodiment, the DSA system may be configured to lease-out orallocate resources based on geographical areas, such as a license area,a regional area, a cell/sector region, and/or a subsector cell region.The DSA system may be further configured to divide the relevantgeographical areas into subunits, generate a grid-map data structurethat identifies these geographic subunits, and use the grid-map datastructure to allocate, de-allocate, and reallocate resources based onthe geographical locations of the wireless devices with respect to theavailable resources.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a geographical area divided into sub-units2002-2012 that may be represented by a grid-map data structure. Thesesub-units include license area 2002 having a first region (Region 1)2004 and a second region (Region 2) 2006. Each of the first and secondregions 2004, 2006 may be further divided into one or more cell sitelevels 2010. Each cell site level 2010 may include one or more sectorsor cell grid regions 2008. Each sector or cell grid region 2008 mayinclude one or more sub-sector cell grid regions 2012. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 20, the first region 2004 includes a cell site level2010 region, and the second region 2006 includes a sector/cell gridregion 2008 and a sub-section cell grid region 2012. Each of thesesub-units 2002-2012 may include or represent all or portion of atelecommunication resource.

A DSA component (e.g., DPC 146, DSC 144, etc.) may be configured togenerate a grid-map data structure that includes information elementsthat represent these sub-units 2002-2012 and/or that identify thelocations of resources (e.g., eNodeB 116, available bandwidth, RFspectrum resources, etc.) with respect to a license area, region, cellsite level, sector/cell grid region, subsector cell region, etc. The DSAcomponents may be configured to use the grid-map data structure tointelligently allocate, de-allocate, and reallocate resources based onthe movements and locations of the wireless devices 102 with respect tothe available resources.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of the logical and functional elements thatmay be represented by a grid-map data structure. The DSA components maybe configured to use the grid-map data structure to perform variousoperations to better support the mobility of lessee wireless devices asthese devices moves between the lessee and lessor networks. For example,the DSA components may be configured to generate the grid-map datastructure to include a primary grid and a buffer zone, each of which maybe an information structure that includes/stores information suitablefor identifying cells/sectors and their coverage zones. The DSAcomponents may then use the location of the wireless devices 102 withrespect to the cells/sectors identified by the primary grid and/orbuffer zone to determine whether to initiate inter-network handoveroperations (i.e. to handover the device from the lessee network to thelessor network, or vice versa).

With reference to FIG. 21, the primary grid boundary 2102 illustratesthe coverage areas of cell sites/sectors that may be represented by aprimary grid structure. The buffer zone boundary 2104 illustrates thecell sites/sectors that may be represented by a buffer zone structure.

The primary grid structure may include a list of cell sites or sectors,and their coverage areas (e.g., radio frequency coverage areas, etc.).This list of cells may be used to identify or define a geographicalboundary, such as the primary grid boundary 2102 illustrated in FIG. 21.The geographical boundary may be any shape or geographical area, such asan arbitrary polygon-shaped area defined based on the coverage areas ofthe cells. Each cell may include a plurality of eNodeBs 116, a singleeNodeB 116. Each cell may also be a single sector of a macro cell.

The primary grid structure may include/store a list of cell sites orsectors in a primary grid cell list. The primary grid cell list mayinclude lessee cells, lessor cells, or a combination thereof. Forexample, in an embodiment, the primary grid cell list may includeinformation identifying both lessee and lessor cell sites, and theirrespective coverage areas. The coverage areas of the lessee and lessorcells (included in the primary grid cell list) may completely overlap,partially overlap, or not overlap. The primary grid cell list may alsoclassify each of the cells as being either an interior cell or a bordercell. For example, the primary grid cell list may be generated toinclude an interior cell list and a border cell list. An interior cellmay be a cell having a coverage area that is completely inside thegeographical boundary (e.g., primary grid boundary 2102), but notadjacent to the boundary's border. A border cell may be a cell having acoverage area that is adjacent to the boundary border (or that crossesthe boundary border).

The buffer zone structure may an information structure thatincludes/stores information suitable for use in identifying cells in thegeographical area that surrounds the outer portion of primary gridboundary 2102. As examples, the buffer zone may include a list of cellsthat are outside of the geographical boundary identified by the primarygrid, that have coverage areas that are outside the coverage areas ofthe cell sites/sectors identified by the primary grid, and/or that areoutside geographical boundary and have coverage areas that partiallyoverlap the coverage areas of the cell sites/sectors identified by theprimary grid. As further examples, the buffer zone may include aneighbor list of cells/sectors that are adjacent to the bordercells/sectors identified in primary grid, but not border cells or cellsincluded in the primary grid cell list.

Neighbor lists for the both lessee and lessor network are subject tochange for performance reasons. As such, the geographical coordinates ofthe cells within the primary grid (and/or sector orientation) may beused to dynamically determine the neighbor list for the buffer zone.That is, the neighbor list of the cells/sectors may be determined basedon the geographic coordinates of the lessor and lessee cellsites/sectors, with their orientation used to determine whether thecell/sector is pointing into or out of the grid for the lessor system.For the lessee network, the cell/sector orientation of the cells/sectorsmay be used to identify neighbor cells for pre-selection for handinsinto the lessor network.

In an embodiment, the buffer zone structure may be generated to includemultiple zones, levels, or tiers. For example, the buffer zone structuremay be generated to include a list of first tier cells and a list ofsecond tier cells. The list of first tier cells may include cells thatare adjacent to the cells included in the primary grid (but not includedin the grid). The list of second tier cells may include cells that areadjacent to the first tier cells (but not first tiers cells themselves).The generation and use of buffer zones that include multiplezones/levels/tiers is discussed in more detail further below.

Each DSC 144 (e.g., the lessee and lessor DSCs) may be configured todetermine, compute, and/or generate the primary grids, geographicalboundaries, interior cells, border cells, buffer zones, depth of thebuffer zones for its network. The DSCs 144 may be configured todetermine size/depth of the buffer zone so as to reduce the number ofmessages and/or to reduce the probability of handover drops (e.g., dueto RF propagation characteristics). The DSCs 144 may also be configuredto determine the size/depth of the buffer zone so as to balance theperformance, congestion, and resource consumption characteristics of thenetwork/devices.

In an embodiment, the DSC 144 components may be configured to generatethe buffer zone to include a number of tiers that is commensurate withthe mobility of the wireless devices 102 in that geographical area. Forexample, a DSC 144 component may be configured to generate the bufferzone to include a large number of tiers when the geographical boundaryof the grid is relatively small, or for rural/metropolitan areas wherepeople (and their wireless devices) frequently travel large distances orin high speed vehicles. Similarly, the DSC 144 component may beconfigured to generate the buffer zone to include a small number oflevel/tiers when the geographical boundary of the grid is relativelywide or large, or for urban areas where people typically travel shorterdistances.

FIG. 22A illustrates a method 2200 generating and using a grid-map datastructure to intelligently determine whether to initiate inter-networkhandover operations. Method 2250 may be performed in a processing coreof a DSC 144 component.

In block 2202, the processing core of the DSC 144 may receive anotification message identifying a successful bidder for a geographicalarea. In an embodiment, the DSC may be a lessee DSC that is included ina first telecommunication network, and the notification message mayinclude information identifying the first telecommunication network asthe successful bidder. In another embodiment, the DSC may be a lessorDSC that is included in a first telecommunication network, and thenotification message may include information identifying a secondtelecommunication network as the successful bidder.

In block 2204, the processing core may generate a grid-map structurethat includes a primary grid structure that identifies telecommunicationcells in the geographical area. In block 2206, the processing core mayclassify each of the telecommunication cells of the primary gridstructure as being one of an interior cell and a border cell. In block2208, the processing core may generate/update a buffer zone structurethat identifies the telecommunication cells that are adjacent to theborder cell, and update the grid-map to include the generated/updatedbuffer zone structure.

In block 2210, the processing core may monitor locations of wirelessdevices. In an embodiment, the DSC may be a lessee DSC that is includedin a first telecommunication network, and monitoring locations ofwireless devices may include monitoring the locations of wirelessdevices attached to a first eNodeB in the first telecommunicationnetwork. In another embodiment, the DSC may be a lessor DSC that isincluded in a first telecommunication network, and monitoring locationsof wireless devices may include monitoring the location of a wirelessdevice that subscribes to the first telecommunication network and isattached to an eNodeB in a second telecommunication network.

In block 2212, the processing core may use the locations of the wirelessdevices with respect to the telecommunication cells of the primary gridstructure to determine whether to initiate inter-network handoveroperations. In various embodiments, determining whether to initiateinter-network handover operations may include whether a resource leaseperiod has ended, the eNodeB is congested, and/or that the wirelessdevice has moved outside of the geographical area before. In anembodiment, the DSC may be a lessee DSC that is included in a firsttelecommunication network, and using the locations of the wirelessdevices with respect to the cells of the primary grid structure todetermine whether to initiate inter-network handover operations mayinclude determining whether to initiate handin operations to transferthe wireless devices attached to the first eNodeB to a second eNodeB ina second telecommunication network. In another embodiment, the DSC maybe a lessor DSC that is included in a first telecommunication network,and using the locations of the wireless devices with respect to thecells of the primary grid structure to determine whether to initiateinter-network handover operations in block 2212 may include determiningwhether to initiate backoff operations to transfer the wireless devicethat subscribes to the first telecommunication network and is attachedto the eNodeB back to the first telecommunication network.

FIG. 22B illustrates an embodiment method 2250 for generating/updatingthe list of cell sites of the primary grid structure of the grid-mapdata structure. Method 2250 may be performed in a processing core of aDSC 144 component. In block 2252, the processing core may receive leasegrid boundary information, such as GPS coordinates identifying ageographical area (e.g., a polygon-shaped area) corresponding to theprimary grid boundary. In block 2254, the processing core may determinethe cell sites (or their coverage areas) that are in the primary gridboundary. In block 2256, the processing core may generate a list ofcells sites and add the determined cell sites to the generated list ofcell sites. In block 2258, the processing core may remove the cell sitesthat have been marked for exclusion and/or blacklisted from thegenerated list of cell sites. Alternatively, in blocks 2256 and 2258,the processing core may generate the list of cell sites so that itexcludes cell sites that have been marked for exclusion and/orblacklisted.

In block 2260, the processing core may compare the cell sites includedin the generated list of cell sites to those identified by the primarygrid structure. In determination block 2262, the processing core may usethe results of the comparison to determine whether there are differencesbetween the cell sites identified in the generated list of cell sitesand those identified by the primary grid structure. In response todetermining that there are no differences (i.e., determination block2262=“No”), in determination block 2264, the processing core maydetermine whether a timer has expired. In response to determining thathas not yet expired (i.e., determination block 2264=“No”), theprocessing core may wait or performing other tasks, and recheck thetimer again at a later time (e.g., after performing other tasks). Inresponse to determining that has expired (i.e., determination block2264=“Yes”), the processing core may repeat the operations of blocks2252-2262.

In response to determining that there are differences between the cellsites identified in the generated list of cell sites and thoseidentified by the primary grid structure (i.e., determination block2262=“Yes”), in block 2266, the processing core may identify border cellsites that are within a certain distance (e.g., x distance) from theprimary grid boundary and oriented towards its border. In block 2268,the processing core may classify the cell sites in the generated list ofcell sites as being border or interior cell sites. In block 2270, theprocessing core may add or update the list cell sites in the primarygrid structure to include the border and interior cell sites.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate embodiment methods 2300, 2320 fordetermining buffer zones by selecting cell sites for inclusion in bufferzone structure. In addition, FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate that thebuffer zones may be determined differently depending on whether the DSCis in a lessee or lessor network. This is because the lessee buffercells may be selected to facilitate a graceful handin process to thelessor network, whereas and the lessor buffer cells may be selected tofacilitate backoff to the lessee network. As such, methods 2300 and 2320address the variable nature of wireless device mobility around theprimary grid boundary.

With reference to FIG. 23A, in block 2302, the processing core mayidentify neighbor cell sites that are adjacent to border cell sites. Inblock 2304, the processing core may determine whether the identifiedneighbor cell sites are border sites and/or cell sites that are includedin the list of cell sites of the primary grid structure (i.e., in theprimary grid cell site list). In block 2306, the processing core maygenerate a list of first tier sites to include the identified neighborcell sites. The processing core may generate the list of first tiersites to exclude cell sites that are determined to be border sites andincluded in the primary grid cell site list.

In determination block 2308, the processing core may determine whethermultiple buffer levels are requested or required, such as by evaluatingnetwork operator policies or the mobility of the wireless devices 102.In response to determining that multiple buffer levels are not requestedor required (i.e., determination block 2308=“No”), in block 2310, theprocessing core may add or update list of cell sites of the buffer zonestructure to include the first tier sites.

In response to determining that multiple buffer levels are requested orrequired (i.e., determination block 2308=“Yes”), in block 2312, theprocessing core may identify cell sites that are adjacent to the firsttier cell sites. In block 2312, the processing core may generate a listof second tier sites to include these identified neighbor cell sites,excluding sites that are first tier cell sites, border sites, and sitesthat are included in the primary grid cell site list. In block 2314, theprocessing core may update list of cell sites of the buffer zonestructure to include the first tier sites and second tier sites. Whilethe above example discusses two levels/tiers, it should be understoodthat method 2300 may be performed so as to support any number oflevels/tiers.

FIG. 23B illustrates another embodiment method 2320 for generating orupdating the list of cell sites of the buffer zone structure. Method2320 may be performed in a processing core of a lessor DSC 144component. Same as the method 2300 discussed above, in block 2302, theprocessing core may identify cell sites that are adjacent to border cellsites, and in block 2304, the processing core may determine whether theidentified neighbor cell sites are border sites and/or cell sites thatare included in the list of cell sites of the primary grid structure.

In block 2322, the processing core may add the identified neighbor cellsites to list of first tier sites, excluding the cell sites that aredetermined to be border sites and the cell sites that are not includedin the list of cell sites of the primary grid structure. Indetermination block 2308, the processing core may determine whethermultiple buffer levels are requested or required. In response todetermining that multiple buffer levels are not requested or required(i.e., determination block 2308=“No”), in block 2310, the processingcore may add or update list of cell sites of the buffer zone structureto include the first tier sites. In response to determining thatmultiple buffer levels are not requested or required (i.e.,determination block 2308=“Yes”), in block 2312, the processing core mayidentify cell sites that are adjacent to the first tier cell sites.

In block 2324, the processing core may add identified neighbor cellsites to list of second tier sites, excluding sites that are first tiercell sites, border sites or not included in the list of cell sites. Inblock 2314, the processing core may update list of cell sites of thebuffer zone structure to include the first tier sites and second tiersites.

In an embodiment, the DSCs 144 may be configured to periodicallyreevaluate their identification of the interior, border, and buffer zonecells to account for changes to the grid, such as when cell sites aretaken down for maintenance or when sectors that were down are broughtback up.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to performintelligent target cell selection and handover operations. That is, itis important to perform handover operations so as to reduce failures andlatency. It is also desirable to allow a DSC 144 in the target networkchoose a target cell based on the DSC's 144 policies, congestion levels,load balance criteria, etc. However, involving the target DSC 144 inevery inter-network S1-handover procedure may introduce latency and/orcause handover failures.

To overcome these and other limitations, in an embodiment, an eNodeB 116may be configured to receive measurement reports from the wirelessdevices 102 (for the target network), and use the received measurementreports to select a target cell and/or initiate the inter-networkhandover (handin or backoff) procedures to the target cell. In anotherembodiment, the DSCs 144 may be configured to use a secure peer-to-peerconnection (established for the bid life time) to coordinate the targetcell selection operations. By selecting the target cell based onmeasurement reports and/or based on the DSC coordination operations, thevarious embodiments reduce latency, improve performance, and allowtarget cell selection based on policies, congestion levels, load balancecriteria, etc.

In an embodiment, a DSC 144 component may be configured to receivecongestion state information from the eNodeBs 114 in its network, anduse this congestion state information to intelligently allocateresources, manage user traffic of the eNodeBs, select target eNodeBs forhandovers, determine the quality of service (QoS) levels that are to begiven to wireless devices attached to the eNodeBs, and/or perform othersimilar operations to intelligently manage the allocation and use ofresources by the various networks. The congestion state information mayidentify a current congestion state (e.g., Normal, Minor, Major,Critical, etc.) of an eNodeB. Each congestion state may be associatedwith a congestion level. For example, a “Normal” congestion state mayindicate that the eNodeB is operating under normal load (e.g., at orbelow a 50% usage threshold). A “Minor” congestion state may indicatethat the network component is experiencing congestion and/or operatingunder an above-average load (e.g., above 50% usage threshold). A “Major”congestion state may indicate that the network component is experiencingsignificant congestion and/or operating under heavy load (e.g., above70% usage threshold). A “Critical” congestion state may indicate thatthe network component is experiencing severe congestion, experiencing anemergency situation, or operating under an extremely heavy load (e.g.,above 90% usage threshold).

The DSA components may be configured to perform various operations eachtime the eNodeB congestion state changes. As such, frequent changes inthese congestions states may have a significant negative impact on theperformance of the DSA system. As an example, an eNodeB 116 may enterthe “Minor” congestion state each time the usage levels increase to 51%,and return to the “Normal” congestion state each time the usage levelsdrop to 49%. Each of these state transitions (i.e., Normal-to-Minor andMinor-to-Normal) may trigger a large number of operations or events(e.g., for handins, backoff, etc.). As such, frequent fluctuationsbetween 51% and 49% usage levels may have a significant negative impacton the performance of the network and DSA system.

To avoid frequent fluctuations between the same two states, the DSAcomponents may be configured to add a hysteresis gap by implementingdifferent thresholds for the up and down triggers that cause thecongestion state transitions. For example, an eNodeB 116 may beconfigured to average the samples for congestion, and transition betweencongestions states when the samples exceed a certain threshold, lag, orhysteresis value (e.g., 10%).

FIG. 24 illustrates that different thresholds may be used for the up anddown triggers to introduce a lag or hysteresis gap between statechanges. The Y-axis shows load factor (e.g. congestion level) at aneNodeB 116 and up and down trigger points for congestion states: Minor,Major and Critical. The X-axis describes a timeline (t). The left handcurve 2402 illustrates increases in load (e.g., increasing levels ofcongestion at an eNodeB). The right hand curve 2404 illustrates adecreasing load/congestion.

FIG. 24 also illustrates the gaps between the Up and Down triggers foreach of the Minor, Major and Critical congestions states. For example,the up triggers for the Minor, Major and Critical congestions states maybe set to 50%, 70% and 90% respectively, whereas the down triggers forthe Minor, Major and Critical congestion states may be set to 40%, 60%and 80%, respectively. This builds a 10% hysteresis gap, which may allowthe DSA system to avoid frequent congestion state changes. The DSAcomponents may be configured to use such hysteresis gaps between the upand down triggers to avoid frequent state changes. The hysteresis gapmay set by an eNodeB 144. This hysteresis gap may be set or overwrittenby a DSC 144.

A DSC 144 may be configured to overwrite the hysteresis gap set by aneNodeB 144 so as to enforce same hysteresis levels across the entirenetwork. The DSC 144 may also be configured to increase or decrease thehysteresis gaps for different cell sites based on the cell site specifictraffic model. For example, since traffic usage levels near a stadiummay increase/decrease in large bursts, the DSC 144 may use largerhysteresis gaps (e.g., 15% vs. 10%) for the components that service thearea surrounding the stadium.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a wireless device 102 located close to agrid boundary (e.g., primary grid boundary 2202) for which performingembodiment ping-pong avoidance operations is beneficial. Specifically,FIG. 25 illustrates that the DSA system may perform handin and backoffoperations each time the lessee wireless device 102 moves across theboundary to transfer the wireless device 102 between the lessee network2502 and the lessor network 2504. If the wireless device 102 crosses thegrid boundary frequently, performing such handin and backoff operationsmay be an inefficient use of resources. In an embodiment, the DSAcomponents may be configured to use the buffer zone structure (e.g., ina grid-map) to determine whether to perform handin or backoff operationsand so as to reduce the ping-pong effect caused by a wireless device 102that frequently crosses the same grid boundary. That is, the DSAcomponents may be configured to use the buffer zone structure to performping-pong avoidance operations.

The DSA components may also be configured to use a timer to furtherreduce the ping-pong effect. For example, a lessee DSC 144 may beconfigured to use time to not initiate handin operations for the samelessee wireless device 102 for “X” seconds (e.g., between 1 to 600seconds) after the wireless device 102 crosses the grid boundary.Similarly, the lessor DSC may be configured to use a timer to notinitiate backoff operations for a lessee wireless device for “Y” seconds(e.g., between 1 to 600 seconds) after the wireless device 102 crossesthe grid boundary.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to perform loadbalancing operations based on inter-network mobility. For example, alessee DSC 144 may be configured to perform the handin procedures so asto load balance its network load. For example, a lessor DSC 144 may loadbalance wireless devices 102 based on the overall load generated by bothprimary and secondary users. The lessor DSC 144 may also load balancethe wireless devices 102 by capping resource usage by secondary wirelessdevices 102 in a cell while maintaining a balance of total loadgenerated by both primary and secondary wireless devices 102.

FIG. 26 illustrates the movement of a wireless device 102 with respectto a leased grid boundary 2601, lessee cells 2602, and lessorcells/sectors 2603. FIG. 26 also illustrates that a coverage gap may becaused by lack of RF coverage from lessor cells/sectors 2603 (inside theleased grid) in the area where lessee cells/sectors 2602 have coverage.In these cases, attempting to handover lessee wireless devices to lessorcells/sectors 2603 may cause a handover failure soon after handing overto the lessor cell/sector 2603. To overcome these and other conditionscaused by coverage gaps, the wireless device 102 may be configured tosend measurement reports on a target network (in this case lessor'snetwork) prior to initiating the handin operations. The measurementreports may include signal strengths of overlapped lessor cells/sectors2603 measured by the wireless device 102. The DSC 144 may be configuredto receive and use these measurement reports to identify target lessorcells/sectors to which the wireless device 102 is to be handed over.

In a further embodiment, the system may be configured to request twoconsecutive measurement reports from the wireless device 102 on thecells/sector(s) from the target network. The lessee cell may beconfigured to initiate the handin operations in response to receivingthe second measurement report from the wireless device and/or based onsignal strength reports (e.g., when two consecutive measurement reportshave same or higher RSRP/RSRQ).

In the various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured toperform operations for handling coverage gaps in lessor network (withinleased grid) during handin, handling coverage gaps in lessor network(within leased grid) during handoff, handling coverage gaps in lesseenetwork (within leased grid) during backoff, handling coverage gapscaused by cell outages, and handling coverage gaps due to blacklistingof cell. The DSA components may be configured to respond to coveragegaps caused by cell outages and blacklisting may be applicable for bothlessee and lessor networks, during the handin, handoff and backoffoperations.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to managecoverage gaps during handoff operations. Generally, after a lesseewireless device 102 is handed over to the lessor network, any coveragegaps within lessor network are expected to be handled by lessornetwork's RF planning and handover algorithms. For example, SON in 3GPPspecifies many approaches to find and address coverage gaps in anautomated fashion. The Coverage and Capacity Optimization (CCO) functionof SON in 3GPP LTE Release 10 and 11 describe some of the SON approachesto address coverage gaps, such as modification of antenna tilts,increasing or decreasing antenna power and minimization of drive testsby taking wireless device measurement and location-reporting features.In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to use these andother functions of CCO as the network continuously gathers measurementsand suggests parameter changes, such as to change antenna tilt and powercontrol parameters.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to managecoverage gaps during backoff operations, including backoff due towireless device mobility, backoff due to congestion in the lessornetwork, backoff due to bid cancellation or bid withdraw, and backoffdue to bid expiry. The DSA components may be configured to managecoverage gaps during backoff operations caused by wireless devicemobility by selecting the target cell based on wireless devicemeasurement reports. The DSA components may be configured to managecoverage gaps during backoff operations caused by congestion in lessornetwork by forcing the backoff operations and/or performing backoffoperations quickly so that they do not result in a handover failure. TheDSA components may be configured to manage coverage gaps during backoffoperations caused by bid cancellation or withdraw by either forcing thebackoff operations or by selecting the target cell based on wirelessdevice measurement report on sectors from lessee network and requiringtwo consecutive measurement reports have same or higher RSRP/RSRQ

The DSA components may be configured to manage coverage gaps duringbackoff operations caused by bid expiry by preparing the wirelessdevices 102 to measure signal strengths (RSRP/RSRQ) on the lesseenetwork slightly ahead of bid expiry time.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to applyoperator policies for wireless device selection during the handin andbackoff operations. For example, a lessee DSC 144 may use the wirelessdevice's service package (i.e., which services the wireless device isusing for active calls), its DSA eligibility, and/or its priority. Theorder of these three parameters may be configurable at the DSC 144. Thesystem may select an order for above three parameters, and the wirelessdevices 102 may be sorted according to that parameter order into asorted wireless device list. This sorted wireless device list may beused for inter-network handovers, such as handins.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to select atarget cell for an inter-network handover of a wireless device 102 basedon that wireless device's measurement report on target network.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to generateand use blacklists. Blacklisting of cell sites refers to listing cellsites that are barred from a network for use by wireless devices and byneighboring cell sites during handover. The blacklisting may betemporary or for a long period of time. This may occur due to cell sitemaintenances, due to catastrophes at a cell site, or due to severeperformance issues at the cell site.

A lessor network operator may identify the cells are not included in ablacklist, such as due to some special event or known performanceproblem. The DSC 144 may also determine the cells/sites that are to beincluded in a blacklist dynamically, based on network conditions. Forexample, the DSC 144 may add sites that are currently offline to theblacklist. The DSC 144 may also delist cells/sites from the blacklist toplace them back into the general pool for DSA usage, such as when a siteis back in service.

The blacklists may be communicated between lessor and lessee networks.This may be accomplished via a DPC 146 or a communication tunnelestablished between lessee and lessor DSCs 144, which is active duringthe bid duration time. The same tunnel may be used for coordinatingtarget cell selection. The lessee and lessor DSCs 144 may use theblacklists to inform the eNodeBs 116 that are neighbors to cells/sectorsthat are impacted by the blacklisted cells. Those eNodeBs 116 mayexclude the blacklisted cells from the partner network while consideringtarget resources for handin or backoff operations. By using blacklistsand ensuring two (or more) consecutive measurement reports are receivedfrom wireless device 102, the DSA components may better manage theimpact of coverage gaps on the performance of the DSA system and theuser experience.

A different case arises when cells/sectors operationally go down orbecome silent cells. Since the DSC 144 may be connected to the eNodeBs116, the DSC 144 may detect cells going operationally down or becomingsilent cells. In addition, the network operators may inform the DSC 144that the cell/sectors operational status has changed. The DSC 144 maycommunicate both blacklists and operational status changes to other DSCs144 for cells/sectors that are in the primary grid or in the bufferzone. For example, after a DSC 144 receives information regarding acell's operational status, it may communicate this information to apartner DSC 144 for the bid. The partner DSC 144 may then communicatethe cell/sector status to all relevant eNodeBs 116 who are neighbors tothe other network's cell/sector. The eNodeBs 116 may then use thisinformation to make more intelligent handover decisions.

Since a wireless device 102 may include silent cells in its measurementreports, the source eNodeB 116 may not be able to detect the presence ofsuch cells. A sleeping cells is one in which the eNodeB 116 istransmitting but does not accept hand-ins. To overcome these and otherconditions, the DSA components may be configured to perform handinpre-planning operations.

A lessee DSC 144 may be configured to keep track of lessee wirelessdevices 102 eligible for resources allocation that are currentlyattached to cells in and around a bid's grid. This is a list ofcandidate wireless devices for handin. This list may be updated toremove wireless devices if a wireless device detaches from one of thesecells/sectors, and add a new wireless device to the list if a newwireless device attaches to one of these cells. Similarly, the DSC 144may store a list of wireless devices 102 that are currently attached tocells in buffer zone.

Before the bid start time (e.g., X minutes ahead of bid start time) thelessee DSC 144 queries the MMEs 130 in its network to retrieve the listof DSA eligible wireless devices 102 that are attached to lessee cellsinside the lessor's leased grid. This list of wireless devices may beincluded in a handin candidate list. When a wireless device detachesfrom or attaches to a lessee cell within the leased grid, MME's 130notifications will trigger the DSC 144 to update the handin candidatelist. The “X” minutes is time to prepare the handin, but the listcontinuously changes as wireless devices move around. Thus, when the bidstart time occurs, the DSC 144 may initiate handin operations for thewireless devices that are in handin candidates list. This list may besorted based on the operator policies of the order chosen for wirelessdevice's service package, DSA eligibility, and priority.

The DSC 144 may request eNodeBs 116 in the grid to initiate handinoperations for specific wireless device 102, which may be identifiesbased on their inclusion in a handin candidate list. The DSC 144 may beconfigured to initiate handins from the center of the grid outward toedge of buffer zone. After all the wireless devices 102 identified incandidate list are moved or transferred, the DSC 144 may initiate handinoperations for the wireless devices 102 that are attached tocells/sectors in buffer zone.

In an embodiment, the DSC 144 may be configured to give preference or ahigher priority to the wireless devices 102 included in the handincandidate list. As an example, new wireless devices may attach tocells/sectors in grid while the DSC 144 is performing handin operationsfor the wireless devices 102 attached to cells/sectors in buffer zone.As such, these new wireless devices may be added to handin candidatelist after this list has been processed by the DSC 144. In such cases,the DSC 144 may be configured stop further handins for the wirelessdevices 102 attached to cells/sectors in buffer zone, and initiatehandin operations for new wireless devices 102 added to the handincandidate list.

A lessor eNodeB 116 may be configured select a target cell based onwireless device's measurement reports and/or in response to determiningthat the target cell has the highest RSRP/RSRQ value among lessor cellsreported by the wireless device.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to performhandoff pre-planning operations. As an example, the lessor network mayclosely track the location of a lessee wireless device 120 after thelessee wireless device 102 is handed into the lessor network so that itmay quickly initiate backoff operations if the wireless device 102 exitsthe grid boundary (which may identified in the grid-map). This is toprotect the radio and network resources of lessor network outside thegrid boundary. However, the lessor resources may be still in use in thebuffer zone (which may also be identified via the grid-map) duringbackoff, which may slow the backoff operations or cause a handoverfailure. By performing handoff pre-planning operations, the variousembodiments prepare the lessee wireless devices 102 for backoff so as toensure that a wireless device 102 that exits the grid boundary may behanded over quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

Performing handoff pre-planning operations may include configured eacheNodeB 116 to periodically report its load factor to the DSC 144, suchas by sending congestion state information and an attached wirelessdevice list to the DSC 144. The DSC 144 may be configured to send thisinformation to each neighboring eNodeB 116 or cell (which may beidentified by the neighbor cell list in the grid-map). The eNodeBs 114may use this information when selecting a target cell for anintra-network handover. The eNodeBs 114 may then (without theinvolvement of the DSC 144) determine whether to handover a lesseewireless device 102 to target lessor eNodeB 116 or to prepare thewireless device for backoff.

For example, an eNodeB 116 may be configured to perform handoveroperations in response to determining that a neighbor target eNodeB 116or cell is inside the leased grid (e.g., is included in the primary gridcell list). The eNodeB 116 may be configured to perform backoffoperations in response to determining that a neighbor target eNodeB 116or cell is in the buffer zone (e.g., is included in the buffer zone celllist). By allowing the eNodeBs 114 to select a target cell for handoff,the various embodiments reduce latency and improve performance.

In various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured to performbackoff pre-planning operations. A backoff procedure may be initiatedfor a number of reasons/cases, including wireless device mobility,congestion, bid cancel/withdrawal, and bid expiry. The DSA componentsmay be configured to perform backoff pre-planning operations that arespecific to each of these cases.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to performbackoff pre-planning operations to better support backoff operationsthat are initiated due to wireless device mobility. As part of theseoperations, a lessor DSC 144 may add a lessee wireless device 102 to abackoff candidate list when that wireless device 102 is handed over froma cell/sector in the primary grid to a cell/sector in the buffer zone.The lessee DSC 144 may initiate backoff operations for the wirelessdevice 102 listed in backoff candidate list by sending a backoff requestto its corresponding eNodeB 116. A lessor eNodeB 116 in the buffer zonemay using the neighboring lessee cells/sectors information and wirelessdevice's measurement report on target network to select a target celland initiate the handover operations. In an embodiment, the eNodeB 144may be configured to select a lessee cell that is identified in wirelessdevice measurement report as having the strongest RSRP/RSRQ value as thetarget cell.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to performbackoff pre-planning operations to better support backoff operationsthat are initiated by a DSC 144 due to congestion in its network. Aspart of these operations, the eNodeBs 114 may be configured to receiveand store a list of neighboring lessee cells/sectors and measurementreports for each lessee wireless device 102. An eNodeBs 114 in primarygrid and buffer zone may select a target cell from the list ofneighboring lessee cells/sectors. A lessor eNodeB 116 may use the mostrecent measurement report from the wireless device 102 (within last few100 milliseconds of time) to select the best target cell. If no suchmeasurement report is available for the wireless device 102 (due toeither not present or the measurement report older than the time windowconfigured), the lessor eNodeB 116 may select any suitable target eNodeB116 from the list of neighboring lessee cells.

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to performbackoff pre-planning operations to better support backoff operationsthat are initiated due to bid expiry. That is, around the time of bidexpiry, the DSC 144 may select lessee wireless devices 102 that areattached to cells/sectors in the primary grid and buffer zone may beselected for backoff. The backoff operations may be performed from thegrid boundary to center of the grid. This is because the wirelessdevices 102 that are attached to border cells on the grid are morelikely (with 50% probability) to move out of the grid and enter bufferzone.

In the various embodiments, the DSA components may be configured toperform the backoff operations based on various parameters, includingthe wireless device's service package, wireless device's TPA priority,wireless device's location within the grid (i.e., on the border of gridor interior to the grid and how interior, if the grid is of large size),total number of wireless device's still attached to cells/sectors in thegrid, remaining time for bid expiry, and target pacing rate of backoff(to cap the CPU processing time).

In an embodiment, the DSA components may be configured to perform thebackoff operations in response to determining that a wireless device isidle. An idle wireless device may be a device that is in ECM-IDLE state(i.e., no RRC connection). A lessee wireless device 102 may also becomeidle after it is handed into the lessor network. The lessor DSC 144and/or eNodeB 116 components may be configured to determine that awireless device is idle in response to determining that the wirelessdevice 102 has not transmitted or received data for a period of time.The lessor DSC 144 may be configured to identify and move idle wirelessdevices 102 back to lessee network after a bid expired or the bid'sresources are consumed above a pre-configured threshold.

FIG. 27 illustrates the location of various wireless devices 102 a-cwith respect to a lessor's primary grid 2702 and tracking areas 1-11that are completely or partially inside the primary grid 2702. The DSAcomponents may be configured to use the different tracking areas 1-11and wireless device mobility to better manage transferring idle wirelessdevices back to the lessee network after bid expiry.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, each of the wireless devices 102a-c is idle. Wireless device 102 a as is not mobile and is stillpositioned inside the primary grid 102 a after bid expiry. Wirelessdevice 102 b has moved from traffic area 8 to traffic area 7, which isinside the primary grid 2702. Wireless device 102 c has moved fromtraffic area 6 to traffic area 11, which is outside the primary grid2702.

The wireless devices 102 a-c may be configured to report to an MME 130each time they enter a different tracking area or each time they enter atracking area that is not yet registered with that MME 130. The MME 130store information identifying each of the tracking areas the wirelessdevices 102 traverse.

For example, wireless device 102 b may be configured to determine thatit has moved from tracking area 8 to tracking area 7, determine whethertracking area 7 has previously been reported/registered with the MME130, and send a tracking area update message to MME 130 in response todetermining that tracking area 7 has not previously beenreported/registered with the MME 130. The MME 103 may receive thetracking area update message, determine that the wireless device 102 bis a lessee device (via its IMSI value), and communicate with a MME(which has prior knowledge of tracking areas of the grid) to validatethe tracking area update message. The MME 130 may register tracking area7 for wireless device 102 b and send a tracking area update acceptmessage to the wireless device 102 b in response to determining that thereceived tracking area update message is valid.

As another example, wireless device 102 c may be configured to determinethat it has moved from tracking area 6 to tracking area 11, determinewhether tracking area 11 has previously been reported/registered withthe MME 130, and send a tracking area update message to MME 130 inresponse to determining that tracking area 11 has not previously beenreported/registered with the MME 130. The MME 103 may receive thetracking area update message, determine that the wireless device 102 bis a lessee device (via its IMSI value), and communicate with a MME(which has prior knowledge of traffic areas of the grid) to validate thetracking area update message. In this case, the MME determines thattracking area 11 is outside the primary grid boundary 2702, and thusdoes not validate the tracking area update message. As such, the MME 130sends a tracking area update reject message to wireless device 102 c toindicate that the roaming not allowed in that tracking area. Thewireless device 102 c may be configured to perform PLMN selectionoperations in response to receiving the tracking area update rejectmessage, as the lessee wireless device is not allowed to roam outsidethe grid boundary 2702.

Around bid expiry time (or bid cancel/withdrawal), the DSC 144 mayrequest the MME to initiate move-back operations for the lessee wirelessdevices 102 a and 102 b (wireless device 103 c has moved outside theprimary grid 2702). The DSC 144 may select the order in which the lesseewireless devices 102 a and 120 b are handed back to the lessee networkby sending the MME an ordered list of idle devices.

The MME may send a communication message to cause the MME 130 to performmove-back operations for the idle lessee wireless devices 102 a and 102b. In response, the MME 130 may page the wireless devices 102 a-102 band cause them transition from an ECM-IDLE state to an ECM-CONNECTEDstate at MME 130. The MME 120 may inform the MME about ECM state changefor the wireless devices 102 a and 102 b. MME may then send acommunication message to the DSC 130 to indicate the ECM state changes.The DSC 144 may determine that the ECM state changes where for lesseewireless devices 102 a and 102 b, and then initiate a backoff procedurefor these devices by requesting that their eNodeBs 114 perform backoffoperations to transfer these devices to the lessee network.

Generally, when there is a successful bid as a result of performing DSAoperations (e.g., after a lessee network wins/purchases a resource), thelessee and lessor DSCs 144 may perform various operations forestablishing the geographical boundaries within which a wireless deviceis to be handed into a particular lessee or lessor network. In anembodiment, the operations for establishing the geographical boundariesmay include generating the grid-map structure discussed above.

After the geographical boundaries are established and the DPC allocatesthe won/purchased resources for access and use by the lessee network inthe geographical area, a lessee DSC 144 may be required to identify theactive wireless devices 102 that are in the geographical area (i.e., inthe bid grid, bid area, primary grid, etc.) and candidates to be handedover to lessor network (i.e., candidates for handin).

FIG. 28A illustrates an embodiment method 2800 for intelligentlyidentifying the wireless devices that are in the bid's geographicalboundary and candidates for handin. Method 2800 may be performed in aprocessing core of a DSC 144 component.

In block 2802, the processing core may identify all eNodeBs that havecoverage areas that are inside or overlap a geographic boundary of a bidarea or bid grid. For example, the processing core may query a databasethat stores the GPS locations of the eNodeBs (e.g., of eNodeB's celltower's) in its network and/or for which the DSC 144 isresponsible/managing. The processing core may query this database toidentify the locations of eNodeBs, compute their coverage areas, anddetermine whether their coverage areas are inside, overlap, or close tothe geographic boundary. The processing core may compute the coveragearea of cell using that cell's cell-radius (in miles). In anotherembodiment, the processing core may identify the eNodeBs via thegrid-map structure.

In block 2804, the processing core may request a list of eligible activewireless devices from each of the identified eNodeBs. In block 2806, theprocessing core may receive a list of eligible active wireless devicesfrom each of the identified eNodeBs. In block 2808, the processing coremay receive measurement reports and position information for each of thewireless devices in the lists of eligible active wireless devicesreceived from the identified eNodeBs. In block 2810, the processing coremay determine whether the wireless devices included in the receivedlists of eligible active wireless devices are inside, on the border, oroutside of the geographical boundary based on the received positioninformation. In an embodiment, the processing core may also determinehow far outside of the geographical boundary the wireless devices arelocated. In block 2812, the processing core may determine the signalstrengths of the lessor eNodeB's (i.e. lessor ARFCN) based on thereceived measurement reports.

In block 2814, the processing core may select for handin operations thewireless devices included in the received list of eligible activedevices based on the determined signal strengths and/or locations of thewireless devices with respect to the geographical boundary. In block2816, the processing core may send a “HandIn Initiate” command to eachof the eNodeBs servicing the wireless devices selected for the handinoperations.

FIG. 28B illustrates an embodiment eNodeB method 2820 for intelligentlyforming handin operations. Method 2820 may be performed in a processingcore of a eNodeB 116 component.

In block 2822, the processing core may receive a request for a list ofeligible active wireless devices from a DSC 144 component. In block2824, the processing core may compute or estimate round trip delay (RTD)values for each of the active wireless devices that are attached to theeNodeB 116. This may be accomplished by useing LTE positioningtechniques, a Enhanced Cell ID (ECID), Assisted Global NavigationSatellite Systems (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA),LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), or Secure User Plane Location (SUPL)protocols, or any combination of these techniques.

In block 2826, the processing core may request and receive measurementreports and position information from each of the active wirelessdevices. In block 2828, the processing core may identify the eligibleactive wireless devices based on the RTD values, measurement reports,and/or position information. In block 2830, the processing core maygenerate list of eligible active wireless devices to include theidentified wireless devices. In block 2832, the processing core may senda list of eligible active wireless devices, measurement reports, andposition information to the DSC 144 component. In block 2834, theprocessing core may receive a “HandIn Initiate” command for a wirelessdevice included in the list of eligible active wireless devices from theDSC 144 component.

FIG. 29 illustrates an embodiment DSA method 2900 of allocatingresources in a first communication network for access and use by asecond communication network. The operations of DSA method 2900 may beperformed by a processing core of a DPC 146 component.

In operation 2902, a DPC 146 component may establish a communicationlink to a DSC 144 a in first communication network. In operation 2904,the DPC 146 may determine whether a telecommunication resource of thefirst communication network is available for allocation based oninformation received via the communication link. In an embodiment, theDPC 146 may determine that the telecommunication resource is availablefor allocation at a future date and time.

In operation 2906, the DPC 146 may broadcast a communication signal thatincludes information suitable for informing a plurality of communicationnetworks that the telecommunication resource is available for allocationvia an auction and including an auction start time for the auction. Inoperation 2908, the DPC 146 may receive bids from the plurality ofcommunication networks for the telecommunication resource determined tobe available for allocation in response to broadcasting thecommunication message and after the auction start time included in thebroadcast communication signal. In an embodiment, receiving bids fromthe plurality of communication networks may include receiving bids foraccess and use of the telecommunication resource determined at thefuture date and time.

In operation 2910, the DPC 146 may accept only the bids received fromauthorized networks determined to be eligible to participate in theauction. For example, the DPC 146 may determine whether thetelecommunication resource is compatible with each of the plurality ofcommunication networks, authorize networks in the plurality ofcommunication networks as being eligible to participate in the auctionbased on their compatibility with the telecommunication resource, andaccept bids from only the authorized networks.

In operation 2912, the DPC 146 may allocate the telecommunicationresource of the first communication network for access and use by asecond communication network in the plurality of communication networksbased on accepted bids. In an embodiment, allocating thetelecommunication resource may include allocating the telecommunicationresource of the first communication network for access and use by thesecond communication network at the future date and time. In operation2914, the DPC 146 may send a communication message to the secondcommunication network that includes information suitable for informingthe second communication network that use of allocated telecommunicationresource may begin. In operation 2916, the DPC 146 may record atransaction in a transaction database identifying the telecommunicationresource as being allocated for use by the second communication network.

In operation 2918, the DPC 146 may request return of the allocatedtelecommunication resource. In operation 2920, the DPC 146 may broadcasta second communication signal to inform the plurality of communicationnetworks that the telecommunication resource is available forreallocation via a second auction.

FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment DSA method 3000 of allocatingresources in a first communication network for access and use by asecond communication network. The operations of DSA method 3000 may beperformed by a processing core of a DPC 146 component.

In block 3002, the DPC 146 component may establish a communication linkto a DSC 144 a in first communication network. In block 3004, the DPC146 component may determine that a resource in a first communicationnetwork is available for allocation. In block 3006, the DPC 146component may broadcast a first communication signal informing aplurality of communication networks that the resource is available forallocation and of a geographical area associated with the resource. Inblock 3008, the DPC 146 component may allocate the resource of the firstcommunication network for access and use by a second communicationnetwork in the plurality of communication networks. In block 3010, theDPC 146 component may broadcast a second communication signal informingthe second communication network that use of allocated telecommunicationresource may begin in the geographical area. In block 3012, the DPC 146component may record a transaction in a transaction database identifyingthe telecommunication resource as being allocated for use by the secondcommunication network.

In operation 3014, the DPC 146 component may request return of theallocated telecommunication resource. In operation 3016, the DPC 146 maybroadcast a second communication signal to inform the plurality ofcommunication networks that the telecommunication resource is availablefor reallocation via a second auction.

In an embodiment, the DSA method 3000 may further include the DPC 146component receiving resource configuration information relating to aresource allocation scheme from a first DSC 144 in the firstcommunication network and sending the resource configuration informationto a second DSC 144 in the second communication network. In a furtherembodiment, the DSA method 3000 may include the DPC 146 componentreceiving coordination information relating to availability of thetelecommunication resource based on geographical areas from the firstDSC 144 and sending the coordination configuration information to thesecond DSC 144.

In a further embodiment, the DPC 146 component may be configured tonegotiate a resource leasing scheme between the first and secondcommunication networks for a use of the resource, and coordinating ahandover of a mobile device between the first and second communicationnetworks based on geographic boundaries defined in the resource leasingscheme. The DPC 146 may be further configured to determine the validityof a subscriber device (e.g., wireless device 102) of the secondcommunication network based on the proximity of the subscriber device tothe geographical area, level of quality of service available to thesubscriber device, and/or information included in the resource leasingscheme.

In various embodiments, the DPC 146 may be configured to instruct thesubscriber device to change networks or to establish a communicationlink to a resource in the first communication network based on theproximity of the subscriber device to the geographical area, level ofquality of service available to the subscriber device, and/or terms ofthe resource leasing scheme. The DPC 146 may be configured to instruct asubscriber device that is actively connected to or using thetelecommunication resource to change networks and/or to attach toanother resource based on the proximity of the subscriber device to thegeographical area.

The various embodiments may include or use a dynamic spectrum arbitrageapplication part (DSAAP) protocol and/or component that is configured toallow, facilitate, support, or augment communications between two ormore DSA components (e.g., DPC, DSC, eNodeB, MME, HSS, etc.) so as toimprove the efficiency and speed of the DSA system. A DSA component maybe any component discussed in this application and/or any component thatparticipates in any of the DSA operations, communications, or methodsdiscussed in this application. As such, the DSAAP component(s) may beconfigured to allow, facilitate, support, or augment communicationsbetween any of the components discussed in this application, includingthe communications between a DPC component and a DSC component, betweenthe DSC component and a eNodeB component, between the DSC component andan MME component, between the DSC component and an HSS component,between the MME component and the HSS component, between the eNodeBcomponent and a wireless device, etc.

To facilitate the communications between two or more DSA components, theDSAAP component(s) may publish application programming interfaces (API)and/or include client modules that facilitate communications between theDSA components. In addition, the DSAAP component(s) may be configured toallow the DSA components to communicate specific information, usespecific communication messages, and/or perform specific operations thattogether provide various DSA functions that further improve theefficiency and speed of the DSA system and participating networks.

As an example, the DSAAP component(s) may be configured to allow aneNodeB to communicate with a DSC component (e.g., via the Xe interface),with other eNodeBs (e.g., via an X2 interface), and with various othercomponents (e.g., via the S1 interface). As a further example, the DSAAPcomponent(s) may be configured to allow, facilitate, support, or augmentcommunications between the DSC component and the DPC component so as toallow the DPC and/or DSC components to better pool resources across thedifferent networks, better monitor traffic and resource usage in thevarious networks, to more efficiently communicate bids and biddinginformation, to quickly and efficiently register and deregistercomponents, and better perform backoff operations. The DSAAPcomponent(s) may also improve the DSA resource auctioning operations byimproving the performance and efficiency of the procedures for bidding,generating invoices, advertizing resources, requesting resources,purchasing resources, validating bid credentials, etc.

In the various embodiments, all or portions of the DSAAP component maybe included in one or more DSA components, such as a DPC component, aDSC component, an eNodeB component, an MME component, and an HSScomponent. The DSAAP component may be implemented in hardware, software,or a combination of hardware and software. In an embodiment, the DSAAPcomponent may be configured to implement a DSAAP protocol, which may bedefined over the Xe, Xd, and/or X2 reference points. In variousembodiments, the Xe reference point between DSC and eNodeB may use theDSAAP protocol, TR-069 protocol, and/or TR-192 data model extensions tosupport listing available resources at the eNodeB and notifying theeNodeB of bid/buy confirmations. The Xd reference point between DSC andDPC may use the DSAAP protocol for dynamic spectrum and resourcearbitrage operations. The X2 interface/reference point between theeNodeBs may also use the DSAAP protocol to communicate information.

In various embodiments, the DSAAP component(s) may be configured toallow the various DSA components (e.g., DSC, DPC, eNodeB, etc.) tocommunicate using the DSAAP protocol and/or to perform various DSAAPmethods. DSAAP methods may be performed in any of the DSA systemsdiscussed in this application, such as a system that includes a firstDSC server in a first telecommunication network (e.g., a lesseenetwork), a second DSC server in second telecommunication network (e.g.,a lessor network), and a DPC server that is outside of the first andsecond telecommunication networks.

The various embodiments may be implemented on a variety of mobilewireless computing devices, an example of which is illustrated in FIG.31. Specifically, FIG. 31 is a system block diagram of a wirelesstransceiver device in the form of a smartphone/cell phone 3100 suitablefor use with any of the embodiments. The cell phone 3100 may include aprocessor 3101 coupled to internal memory 3102, a display 3103, and to aspeaker 3104. Additionally, the cell phone 3100 may include an antenna3105 for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation that may beconnected to a wireless data link and/or cellular telephone transceiver3106 coupled to the processor 3101. Cell phones 3100 typically alsoinclude menu selection buttons or rocker switches 3107 for receivinguser inputs.

A typical cell phone 3100 also includes a sound encoding/decoding(CODEC) circuit 3108 which digitizes sound received from a microphoneinto data packets suitable for wireless transmission and decodesreceived sound data packets to generate analog signals that are providedto the speaker 3104 to generate sound. Also, one or more of theprocessor 3101, wireless transceiver 3106 and CODEC 3108 may include adigital signal processor (DSP) circuit (not shown separately). The cellphone 3100 may further include a ZigBee transceiver (i.e., an IEEE802.15.4 transceiver) for low-power short-range communications betweenwireless devices, or other similar communication circuitry (e.g.,circuitry implementing the Bluetooth® or WiFi protocols, etc.).

The embodiments described above, including the spectrum arbitragefunctions, may be implemented within a broadcast system on any of avariety of commercially available server devices, such as the server3200 illustrated in FIG. 32. Such a server 3200 typically includes aprocessor 3201 coupled to volatile memory 3202 and a large capacitynonvolatile memory, such as a disk drive 3203. The server 3200 may alsoinclude a floppy disc drive, compact disc (CD) or DVD disc drive 3204coupled to the processor 3201. The server 3200 may also include networkaccess ports 3206 coupled to the processor 3201 for establishing dataconnections with a network 3207, such as a local area network coupled toother communication system computers and servers.

The processors 3101, 3201, may be any programmable microprocessor,microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips that can be configuredby software instructions (applications) to perform a variety offunctions, including the functions of the various embodiments describedbelow. In some wireless devices, multiple processors 3201 may beprovided, such as one processor dedicated to wireless communicationfunctions and one processor dedicated to running other applications.Typically, software applications may be stored in the internal memory3102, 3202, before they are accessed and loaded into the processor 3101,3201. The processor 3101, 3201 may include internal memory sufficient tostore the application software instructions. In some servers, theprocessor 3201 may include internal memory sufficient to store theapplication software instructions. In some receiver devices, the securememory may be in a separate memory chip coupled to the processor 3101.The internal memory 3102, 3202 may be a volatile or nonvolatile memory,such as flash memory, or a mixture of both. For the purposes of thisdescription, a general reference to memory refers to all memoryaccessible by the processor 3101, 3201, including internal memory 3102,3202, removable memory plugged into the device, and memory within theprocessor 3101, 3201 itself.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intendedto limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guidethe reader through the description of the methods. Further, anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting theelement to the singular.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logicalblocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with ageneral purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DPC), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Ageneral-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DPC and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DPC core, or any other suchconfiguration. Alternatively, some steps or methods may be performed bycircuitry that is specific to a given function.

In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or moreinstructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium ornon-transitory processor-readable medium. The steps of a method oralgorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executablesoftware module which may reside on a non-transitory computer-readableor processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer-readableor processor-readable storage media may be any storage media that may beaccessed by a computer or a processor. By way of example but notlimitation, such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readablemedia may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired programcode in the form of instructions or data structures and that may beaccessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compactdisc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD),floppy disk, and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce datamagnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofnon-transitory computer-readable and processor-readable media.Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as oneor any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on anon-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readablemedium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) method,comprising: receiving, via a processor of server computing device thatis configured to perform DSA operations to dynamically allocatetelecommunication resources of one telecommunication network for accessand use by another telecommunication network, a notification messagethat identifies a successful bidder for a geographical area; generating,via the processor, a grid-map structure that includes a primary gridstructure that identifies telecommunication cells in the geographicalarea; monitoring, via the processor, locations of wireless devices; anddetermining, via the processor, whether to initiate inter-networkhandover operations based on the locations of the wireless devices withrespect to the telecommunication cells of the primary grid structure. 2.The DSA method of claim 1, wherein: receiving the notification messageidentifying the successful bidder for the geographical area comprisesreceiving a message identifying a first telecommunication network as thesuccessful bidder in a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) in the firsttelecommunication network; monitoring locations of wireless devicescomprises monitoring the locations of wireless devices attached to afirst eNodeB in the first telecommunication network; and determiningwhether to initiate inter-network handover operations based on thelocations of the wireless devices with respect to the telecommunicationcells of the primary grid structure comprises determining whether toinitiate handin operations to transfer the wireless devices attached tothe first eNodeB to a second eNodeB in a second telecommunicationnetwork.
 3. The DSA method of claim 1, wherein: receiving thenotification message identifying the successful bidder for thegeographical area comprises receiving a message identifying a firsttelecommunication network as the successful bidder in a dynamic spectrumcontroller (DSC) in a second telecommunication network; monitoringlocations of wireless devices comprises monitoring a location of awireless device that subscribes to the first telecommunication networkand is attached to an eNodeB in the second telecommunication network;and determining whether to initiate inter-network handover operationsbased on the locations of the wireless devices with respect to thetelecommunication cells of the primary grid structure comprisesdetermining whether to initiate backoff operations to transfer thewireless device that subscribes to the first telecommunication networkand is attached to the eNodeB back to the first telecommunicationnetwork.
 4. The DSA method of claim 3, wherein the operation ofdetermining whether to initiate backoff operations to transfer thewireless device that subscribes to the first telecommunication networkand is attached to the eNodeB back to the first telecommunicationnetwork is performed in response to one of: determining that resourcelease period has ended; determining that the eNodeB is congested; anddetermining that the wireless device has moved outside of thegeographical area.
 5. The DSA method of claim 1, wherein receiving thenotification message identifying the successful bidder for thegeographical area comprises receiving a message identifying a firsttelecommunication network as the successful bidder in a dynamic spectrumcontroller (DSC) in the first telecommunication network, the DSA methodfurther comprising: allocating telecommunication resources of a secondtelecommunication network for access and use by wireless devices of thefirst telecommunication network based on the generated grid-mapstructure.
 6. The DSA method of claim 1, wherein generating the grid-mapstructure that includes the primary grid structure that identifies thetelecommunication cells in the geographical area further comprises:classifying each of the telecommunication cells of the primary gridstructure as being one of an interior cell and a border cell.
 7. The DSAmethod of claim 6, wherein generating grid-map structure that includesthe primary grid structure that identifies the telecommunication cellsin the geographical area comprises generating the grid-map structure tofurther include a buffer zone structure that identifies thetelecommunication cells that are adjacent to the border cell.
 8. The DSAmethod of claim 7, wherein generating the grid-map structure to includethe buffer zone structure comprises generating the buffer zone structureto include multiple tiers.
 9. The DSA method of claim 7, furthercomprising: performing ping-pong avoidance operations based on thebuffer zone structure.
 10. The DSA method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving measurement reports that include eNodeB signalstrength information from the wireless devices.
 11. A dynamic spectrumarbitrage (DSA) system, comprising: an eNodeB comprising an eNodeBprocessor; a dynamic spectrum controller (DSC) comprising DSC processorcoupled to the eNodeB via a first communication link; and a dynamicspectrum policy controller (DPC) comprising a DPC processor coupled tothe DSC via a second communication link, wherein the DSC processor isconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationscomprising: receiving a notification message from the DPC identifying asuccessful bidder for a geographical area; generating a grid-mapstructure that includes a primary grid structure that identifiestelecommunication cells in the geographical area; monitoring locationsof wireless devices; and determining whether to initiate inter-networkhandover operations based on the locations of the wireless devices withrespect to the telecommunication cells of the primary grid structure.12. The DSA system of claim 11, wherein the eNodeB and DSC are includedin a first telecommunication network and the DSC processor is configuredwith processor executable instruction to perform operations such that:receiving the notification message identifying the successful bidder forthe geographical area comprises receiving a message identifying thefirst telecommunication network as the successful bidder; monitoringlocations of wireless devices comprises monitoring the locations ofwireless devices attached to a the eNodeB; and determining whether toinitiate inter-network handover operations based on the locations of thewireless devices with respect to the telecommunication cells of theprimary grid structure comprises determining whether to initiate handinoperations to transfer the wireless devices attached to the eNodeB toanother eNodeB in a second telecommunication network.
 13. The DSA systemof claim 11, wherein the eNodeB and DSC are included in a firsttelecommunication network and the DSC processor is configured withprocessor executable instruction to perform operations such that:receiving the notification message identifying the successful bidder forthe geographical area comprises receiving a message identifying a secondtelecommunication network as the successful bidder; monitoring locationsof wireless devices comprises monitoring a location of a wireless devicethat subscribes to the second telecommunication network and is attachedto the eNodeB; and determining whether to initiate inter-networkhandover operations based on the locations of the wireless devices withrespect to the telecommunication cells of the primary grid structurecomprises determining whether to initiate backoff operations to transferthe wireless device to another eNodeB in the second telecommunicationnetwork.
 14. The DSA system of claim 13, wherein the DSC processor isconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationssuch that the operation of determining whether to initiate backoffoperations to transfer the wireless device to another eNodeB in thesecond telecommunication network is performed in response to one of:determining that resource lease period has ended; determining that theeNodeB is congested; and determining that the wireless device has movedoutside of the geographical area.
 15. The DSA system of claim 11,wherein the DSC processor is configured with processor executableinstruction to perform operations such that receiving the notificationmessage identifying the successful bidder for the geographical areacomprises receiving a message identifying a first telecommunicationnetwork as the successful bidder, and wherein the DSC processor isconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationsfurther comprising: allocating telecommunication resources of a secondtelecommunication network for access and use by wireless devices of thefirst telecommunication network based on the generated grid mapstructure.
 16. The DSA system of claim 11, wherein the DSC processor isconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationssuch that generating the grid-map structure that includes the primarygrid structure that identifies the telecommunication cells in thegeographical area further comprises: classifying each of thetelecommunication cells of the primary grid structure as being one of aninterior cell and a border cell.
 17. The DSA system of claim 16, whereinthe DSC processor is configured with processor executable instruction toperform operations such that generating the grid-map structure thatincludes the primary grid structure that identifies thetelecommunication cells in the geographical area comprises generatingthe grid-map structure to further include a buffer zone structure thatidentifies the telecommunication cells that are adjacent to the bordercell.
 18. The DSA system of claim 17, wherein the DSC processor isconfigured with processor executable instruction to perform operationssuch that generating the grid-map structure to include the buffer zonestructure comprises generating the buffer zone structure to includemultiple tiers.
 19. The DSA system of claim 17, wherein the DSCprocessor is configured with processor executable instruction to performoperations further comprising: performing ping-pong avoidance operationsbased on the generated grid map structure.
 20. The DSA system of claim11, wherein the DSC processor is configured with processor executableinstruction to perform operations further comprising: receivingmeasurement reports that include eNodeB signal strength information fromthe wireless devices.
 21. A server computing device, comprising: amemory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor isconfigured with processor executable instructions to perform operationscomprising: receiving a notification message identifying a successfulbidder for a geographical area; generating grid-map structure thatincludes a primary grid structure that identifies telecommunicationcells in the geographical area; monitoring locations of wirelessdevices; and determining whether to initiate inter-network handoveroperations based on the locations of the wireless devices with respectto the telecommunication cells of the primary grid structure.